Emily for Real — Sylvia Gunnery

Seventeen-year-old Emily's world crumbles when her boyfriend dumps her and when she thinks her life can't possibly get any worse, a series of secrets are revealed that threaten to tear her beloved family apart. Emily feels like she has no one to turn to, until an unexpected friendship blossoms with a troubled classmate named Leo. Sometimes despondent but always supportive, Leo is Emily's rock in an ocean of confusion and disbelief.

Leo's life isn't easy either, and he struggles to be both mother and father to his little sister while his mom battles her alcohol addiction. The two friends lean on each other, and in the end discover the inner strength to face whatever life throws at them.

With incredible insight into the teenage psyche and speckled with pitch-perfect humour, author Sylvia Gunnery has created a heart-warming coming of age story that is sure to connect with young adult readers.