A River I Must Be: A gorgeously written, thoughtful, and powerful exploration of what it means to be different and how to find the courage to reveal your true self

A compelling and moving verse novel by award-winning author, Kate Foster, who combines her heart-felt writing with an authentic view of autism and the pressure of masking. And the joy of freeing yourself from that.

Like a river,

I must keep flowing,

finding a way through

if I want to survive.

I will adapt

and fit in at school

no matter the pain this causes me.

I will paint on a mask

and hide my struggles.

I must do more, be more,

or risk spoiling everything.

But can I be strong

like a river?

Rebecca Tapia has started at a prestigious new school and is overwhelmed by the rules and expectations. With her mum away, and her dad facing challenges of his own, Rebecca's only way of surviving is to mask her autism.

A compelling and moving verse novel by award-winning author Kate Foster, who combines her heartfelt writing with an authentic view of autism and the daily pressure of masking.

And the joy of freeing yourself from that.