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"Pride, passion, friendship and fighting back — this YA debut radiates the power of coming together to bring about positive change in funny, inspiring style."
June 2024 Debut of the Month
Through authentic narratives that alternate between Imogen (“a chaotic, leftist, autistic bisexual who wants to be a stand-up comedian”) and Ollie, the gay captain of the football team, Anna Zoe Quirke’s Something to be Proud Of teems with real-life struggles, the magic of friendship, and the power of coming together to bring about change to be proud of. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also funny and ripples with unexpected will-they-won’t-they? romance.
Having “long been aware that I inhabit a world that was built either by or for me”, a bad experience at a pride festival leads Imogen to take action by forming an activist society at school. Her vision is to create “a space where everyone, queer, trans, disabled, neurodivergent or otherwise, can come together to celebrate all aspects of their identities at once”. After enlisting Ollie’s help, along with the head girl and a clutch of like-minded peers, the newly-assembled crew set about raising money to host a pride event that will deliver Imogen’s vision.
Struggling with his parent’s recent break-up, Ollie’s initial reluctance to join is quickly overcome, largely thanks to Imogen’s infectious effervescence and humour — their friendship is a delight to watch blossom, as is the solidarity that grows between the activist group. Funny, authentic and uplifting, Something to be Proud Of is exactly how Anna Zoe Quirke should feel about her debut.
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A fantastic read full of diversity, friendship and finding it where you belong.
I really enjoyed reading this book, the main character Imogen reminds me of my friend so much. I loved the inclusivity in Something To be Proud Of as I have a range of LGBTQIA, disabled and ethnic minority friends and I think that the mix is a true reflection of the diversity in my school friendship groups.... Read Full Review
This book is very entertaining to read and contains something for everyone.
Something To Be Proud of by Anna Zoe Quirke is a fabulous book about standing up for what you believe in and doing what is right. It follows the story of Imogen Quinn who is inspired to create an activist group at their school. With the help of newly found friend Ollie Armstrong they plan to hold their town’s first ever fully accessible pride festival. This book is perfectly narrated from both Imogen’s and Ollie’s perspectives and is very entertaining to read with plenty of comedic moments as well serious ones.... Read Full Review
