Aubrey and Joel are like two tomato vines growing along the same crooked fence – weird, yet the same kind of weird. Then Joel disappears. Vanishes. Poof. And Aubrey was the last person to see him.
The whole town is looking for Joel, but Aubrey realises they might be the only one who knows how to find him. As Aubrey, their sister, Teagan, and another friend, Mari, search along the river, will they find themselves along the way?
American author Lin Thompson has written a powerful debut that invites readers to unearth the truth beneath all the lies. Thompson’s middle-grade debut will appeal to mature middle-grade readers aged 10+, including those who are venturing into YA fiction. Thompson delves into some big themes here, notably sexuality and gender identity, race and bullying. It’s set in a small town in Kentucky, where Aubrey’s best friend Joel, the only black kid, has just disappeared. Joel’s disappearance at the very start of this book sets up the tale of adventure and mystery gripping the town of Riverview.
Aubrey has to deal with a lot at school and with friends and family, which will be relatable to many young readers. Aubrey begins to question what her and Joel’s parents have taught them and grapples with their religious upbringing. The journey to find Joel adds a dose of adventure to this read – a homemade raft is a pretty clever way to travel along the river!
At the heart of The Best Liars in Riverview is the touching friendship between Aubrey and Joel, as they discover their identities and the importance of their friendship. They are engaging, smart and genuine characters that both young readers and any adults reading alongside will quickly warm to. Aubrey’s coming-out story is beautifully written by Thompson, who is non-binary.
The Best Liars in Riverview is a moving story of friendship, identity, belonging and discovery.
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