She stands on her tiptoes to hug him, for the third time in ten minutes. Three years later, he has a good six inches on her.

The growth spurt Sebastian experienced in freshman year makes him a giant when he’s facing her. “Like a toothbrush, or a sweater in case it gets cold.” Lily Hughes’s smile still has a hint of youth when she fixes the zippers of his duffel-for the fifth time this morning. Sunlight accentuates the soft wrinkles around her eyes and her graying blonde hair. “I just don’t want you to forget anything,” she whispers. Summer is in full bloom, weaving a heavy blanket of heat around them.

A streak of bright sun gives the fresh dew on the grass a glitter effect. The faded paint on the cedar fence behind her catches his eye. Sebastian grins at his mom from the bottom step outside their modest two-story house. “Are you certain you’ve packed everything?” We have compiled a list of content warnings, which you can access at Contents Some readers may find some of the scenes in this book difficult to read. To every LGBTQIA+ person who has questioned their place in life: You’re strong. Any resemblance to real persons, either living or dead, is entirely coincidental.Īll trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.Ĭover Illustration and Book Design by CB Messer Names, characters, and places are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Published by Duet, an imprint of Interlude Press Simon James Green, author of Noah Can’t Even I throughly enjoyed it and hope it gets all the accolades and praise it deserves.” I loved the adorably cute relationship that emerges between Sebastian and Emir, I loved the humour, and I loved being reminded what it’s like to be a teenager during a long, hot, messy summer, when everything is new and exciting, anything seems possible, and the world is opening out in front of you. “A warm, funny, smart and poignant debut, full of heart and full of hope. “A heartwarming freshman novel from an author poised to be a modern Matt Christopher for an older audience.”

Running With Lions by Julian Winters