By Radhika Sanghani (author)
"Honesty is the best policy, and makes for a great read"
Paperback In Stock £7.99 £7.19
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September 2024 Debut of the Month
This story of a girl magicked into revealing her true thoughts and opinions, in total contrast to the way she’s lived her life until then, is fresh and sparky, and gives readers a lot to consider too.
Priya feels under pressure at home, school and even at her gymnastics club. She’s trying to convince everyone – her rowing parents, her little sister, friends at school – that things are fine but misses talking honestly to her open, loving Ba (grandma), who died a year ago. Somehow, slipping on her Ba’s bangle has an extraordinary effect: now Priya can only speak the truth, whether that’s to her parents, her teachers, the school bully who’s been making her do her homework, or the boy she’s got a secret crush on.
It’s embarrassing, then liberating, and finally, after some very awkward moments, empowering as she learns that being a good friend means opening up all round.
Everything about this story feels true (unsurprisingly), and readers will believe completely in Priya and her friends. Her experience, unusual as it is, will resonate with them too and there are lessons for readers of all ages.
A fresh, funny story about white lies, brutal honesty and a bangle with special powers, from award-winning journalist and author Radhika Sanghani.
Read the full description
Priya Shah lies. A lot. She pretends everything in her life is perfect, so she doesn't disappoint anyone. But when she puts on a bangle left to her by her Ba - the one person she was always honest with - she finds herself unable to tell a lie.
Priya is mortified. She tells her dad she hates his cooking, she tells Dan Zhang about her huge crush on him, she shares her best friends' secrets at school. She can't get the bangle off, and she can't stop the truths pouring out of her.
As more things go wrong, and Priya's truth-telling spirals out of control, can Priya learn to be honest without hurting the people she loves?
'A gem of a book! A thoroughly engaging story with a super cast of diverse characters that modern young teens will be able to relate to, and which will empower them to own and speak their own truths. I particularly loved the representation of different cultures, the exploration of how freeing honesty can be, and the message that when someone you love dies, their spirit can live on in your heart.' - Jen Carney, author of The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.
'Fresh, funny and original.' - The Bookseller, Editor's Choice
'I can't lie! I loved it! It was as if Ms Marvel met Liar Liar. ' - Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths
'I loved The Girl Who Couldn't Lie . It's a story that's so full of heart. Priya is totally relatable and her experience of learning how to be open and honest about her life and her struggles is one that so many young readers will be able to empathise with. The characters, friendships, crushes and family dynamics are so beautifully handled - they are absolutely believable and make you want to keep reading and keep on rooting for Priya all the way.' - Sarah Hagger-Holt
'This is such a gorgeous book! It's full of so many funny moments that young people will relate to. I loved it!' - Kimberly Whittam
Radhika Sanghani is an award-winning features journalist, acclaimed author, screenwriter, influential body positivity campaigner and a 2020 BBC Writers Room graduate. Radhika writes regularly for the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Elle, Guardian, Grazia, Glamour and Cosmopolitan; was recently featured in Italian Vogue as well BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour and is a regular guest on Sky News and Good Morning Britain. She is also a TedX speaker on body positivity, a yoga teacher and runs a charity initiative with AgeUK fighting loneliness in older women.
Her middle-grade debut The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie (Usborne) published May 2024.
Photo credit SEBC Photography
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I couldn’t put it down.
I enjoyed the book as it relates to school life, everyday challenges, a teenage life with hormones.
Priya is a typical teenager. Sami and Mei, her best friends, support her loads.
It’s an adventure about Priya's life. What will happen next?
There are no pictures or illustrations
Happy I loved it. I can relate to it. Loads of humour and empathy made me laugh.... Read Full Review
A fresh, funny story about white lies, brutal honesty and a bangle with special powers, from award-winning journalist and author Radhika Sanghani. Priya Shah lies.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Girl Who Couldn't Lie and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
The Girl Who Couldn't Lie features in the following genres: Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Fantasy / Magical, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Funny, Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, School Stories, Stories about Family and Friends, Featured Books for 9+ readers
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Girl Who Couldn't Lie was written by Radhika Sanghani and published by Usborne Publishing Ltd
The Girl Who Couldn't Lie has 295 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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