Grapefruit Moon
How far would you go to fit in?
17-year-old Drew has just won a scholarship to Cooke's Academy, an elite high school in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He's the first in his neighbourhood to be accepted, and his family and community couldn't be prouder. Especially because going there gives Drew a shot at a valuable college scholarship. But the pressure at Cooke's Academy is intense, and Drew isn't sure he fits in. When Adam, leader of the toxic Stewards club, a privileged group of students who control everything that goes on at the school, invites Drew to join, Drew realises that if he can just play by the rules for long enough, he will have a shot at the scholarship. Wealthy, popular Charlotte seems to have everything going for her, but she struggles with the expectations heaped on her by her family and the school. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend Adam is terrorising her with a video of them having sex. As the friendship between Drew and Charlotte grows, both begin to come into their own through a growing love of Spanish poetry, poetry slams, and drag. A school trip to Spain brings them closer together, and pushes them further than ever from who they used to be.
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"Emotional, gripping, and so, so real." - Louise Finch, author of The Eternal Return of Clara Hart
"Shirley-Anne McMillan's writing is bold, brave and full of integrity. Grapefruit Moon is an up-to-the-minute, but also timeless coming-of-age story - heartfelt, gutsy and complex." - Sheena Wilkinson, author of Hope against Hope
"Real. Gritty. Heart-wrenching. Thought-provoking." - Sue Divin, author of Guard Your Heart and Truth Be Told
"McMillan depicts with clarity the aggressions, small and large, of the classism and patriarchy that wear down their spirits." - Kirkus Reviews
"A delicate and candid depiction of two teens' efforts to shape their uncertain futures while navigating weighty issue." - Publishers Spotlight
"Particularly sharp observations on class in Northern Ireland." - Claire Hennessy, The Irish Times
"This excellent Northern Irish YA coming of age novel follows the two main character's lives as they struggle to work out who they are and what they stand for." Irish Independent
"It is refreshing to read literature for young people coming out of contemporary Northern Ireland ... it is good to see that writers like McMillan are now continuing the canon." - Books for Keeps
"A thought-provoking and extremely heartfelt read, well worth checking out." - Paper Lanterns
"An incredible and hard-hitting novel ... I binged this book in one sitting." - Karla's Bookish Life
"I loved this brilliant YA from the very first page ... I loved the sprinkling of poetry throughout this gripping story too." - Milo and Gigi's Bookshelf
"A powerful exploration of the human experience, offering a timely commentary on the complexities of teenage life and the enduring power of resilience and truth. McMillan's masterful storytelling and insightful commentary make this novel a must-read for readers of all ages, especially teens who can better connect with the characters." - ***** NetGalley reader review
"This is exciting, gripping and so real!" - ***** reader review
"Relatable, exciting and heart-wrenching, this is a book that will stay with you long after you read it (which won't take long as its impossible to put down!)" - ***** reader review
"Just beautiful coming of age story." - ***** reader review
"This is one young adults and adults won't want to miss." - ***** reader review
"Loved this book. So very real with characters to root for." - ***** reader review
"Shirley-Anne McMillan's writing is bold, brave and full of integrity. Grapefruit Moon is an up-to-the-minute, but also timeless coming-of-age story -- heartfelt, gutsy and complex." - ***** reader review
"The plot kept me turning the pages and whilst the book addresses some serious current social issues there is plenty of warmth and humour as well. I was moved, entertained and challenged. Highly recommended for young adults and oldies like me too!" - ***** reader review
"The characters and the settings were so real and by the end I found myself feeling really sad that the book had come to an end. Everything was so believable and you could picture it as tv series. I thoroughly enjoyed it, read it under a day." - ***** reader review
"Brilliant, well fleshed out characters and I can completely imagine it all happening in real life. Actually made me cry! It was so moving." - ***** reader review
"A fantastic read." - ***** reader review
