The Lies She Wore

2022 In the Margins Award

Cathryn hides her bruises beneath long sleeves, makeup, and lies. At school, she is the quiet history buff whose name no one remembers. At home, the obedient daughter who plots her escape in secret.

Her plan hinges on staying invisible, but when a good-looking misfit shares her bookish interests, she can’t help falling for him. If she wants to help her mother escape, she can’t risk merging her double life, but the closer she gets to Gus, the harder it is to lie.

When her mother falls ill and her father’s violence escalates to a dangerous new level, Cathryn must decide whether to stick to her plan or hope the truth will set her free.

In the Margins seeks to highlight the best fiction and non-fiction titles of high-interest appeal for readers ages 9-21, with a primary focus on texts that detail street life, marginalized populations (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, etc.), crime, justice, war, violence, abuse, addiction, homelessness, gangs, and cults. The judges seek feedback on the nominations from incarcerated youth.