I don't think there is anyone else who "gets" teenagers as well as Holly Bourne does. There isn't one character that feels unrealistic, not one action that feels out of sync. The demographics and dynamics of Year 11 in The Yearbook are pitch perfect and while the cruelty of the popular crowd is painful to read at times, there is much comfort for those young people who find themselves in a similar position to Paige. The other narrative thread which focuses on Paige's home life is also particularly well dealt with, with a realistic outcome. I think it's important that young people read about real life situations and find solace in that but that books do not mislead them into thinking that everything will be alright in the end, that a wand will magic everything away. I feel that is a strength of Holly Bourne's writing - she respects her readers and is always honest with them, even if it means her books don't deliver a 100% happy ending. And that is what makes her endings always perfect.

A real page-turner of a book, that deals with issues experienced by many in their high school including bullying, cliques, anxiety and the pain of drifting apart from previous best friends. At home, our main character, Paige, is also dealing with family problems including emotional abuse from her father. I loved reading about the library being a refuge for Paige, which can often be the case for pupils struggling with the social side of being in school.

I tried to summarize this but it's too hard. I just jumped into this book without knowing anything about it and I'd advice you to do the same.

I fell into this book, like in every Holly Bourne book. I both related to Paige and didn't. But I definitely felt for everything she was going through. I cried quite a lot and just enjoyed this from beginning to end. Not all of it was easy to read but I still couldn't stop.
I really felt like I was right alongside Paige and felt everything she felt. I got so angry at times, I wanted to smash things and I just found it so important in every way.

I just can't wait for more from Holly.

TW: The Yearbook contains references to bullying, emotional abuse, coercive control and experience of cancer.

I love Holly Bourne's books and this, her 10th YA novel, does not divert from the consistently high-quality, relatable fiction she's now become known for.

The Yearbook is set in the 'High School Years' and is packed full of scenario's that most teens, and indeed most adults looking back on their teens, will recognise. It holds a mirror up to the High School experience and reflects back all the highs and lows, all the anxieties and humour, and all the opportunities for small acts of resistance.

The books main character is Paige, a student in Year 11, whose family life is dominated by the coercive control and emotional abuse and 'gas lighting' perpetrated by her father, against his wife and two children. At home, with her older brother now at University, she is made to feel invisible and over time, realises that this way of being actually keeps her 'safe'.

Paige has also done her best to progress through school without being noticed, to keep herself similarly 'safe', and spends her lunchtimes in the library, reading books that transport her to other places. As a High School Librarian, I observe a similar spectrum in each school year; the popular kids (the Grace's and Amelia's), as well as those (like Paige and Laura) in library corners everywhere, wrapped up tightly in their loneliness.

Without wanting to give spoilers, through a brilliant literary plot device, Paige gingerly embarks on a friendship with Elijah, a boy in the Sixth Form. Their first steps into this relationship bring both comedy and warmth to the story and provide hopeful glimpses into the 'real' Paige and how much she has to offer the world.

The characterisation is both full and genuine and the writing is superb. When Paige's loving Aunt Polly has to deliver her parents final blow, I cried my eyes out, feeling heartbroken for her. This book spoke both to my younger teen self, and also to me now, as the mother of a teenage girl.

I love how Holly weaves threads of feminism and empowerment through her novels. Whilst I'm sure many of my students would not explicitly identify as 'feminist' (this now being almost a 'pariah' of a word for many young women!), I'm confident that in their reading of this novel, they will identify with and develop through, these underpinning concepts in the story.

I'll be recommending The Yearbook to all of my YA readers, and will look forward to the conversations that will inevitably follow from their reading of it.

Huge thanks to #NetGalley for providing me with advance copy of #TheYearbook in exchange for an honest review.

I struggle with loneliness a lot. I knew if I kept reading it I would go from feeling OK to feeling incredibly low so I stopped about 20%. Too close to the bone for me this time round

Oh my word!!!! This is the first book I’ve read by Holly Bourne, but IT WILL NOT BE MY LAST!!!

I absolutely loved this book!!! It was Young Adult fiction at its finest and quite honestly I don’t know why I’ve not read any of her books before as I love this genre.

This book reminds me so much of Mean Girls, and as someone who hated school and was bullied relentlessly for being quiet and a bookworm, this story completely resonated with me.

The Awfuls (popular girl gang) were exactly that......AWFUL!!

Paige is my absolute heroine and she’s bloody brave. Everything in her life is awful, her time at school, her time at home, but her Aunt Polly is such a beautiful character and she provides Paige with the love she so definitely deserves.

Then Paige meets Elijah 💙💙 he is ADORABLE!!! I wish I’d had an Elijah when I was at school because he’s wonderful!!

Ok, so this book is incredible and I loved it!!! All the stars for this book and then some! Pure perfection 💕

Thank you to @netgalley and @usborneya for approving me to read and review this gorgeous book!!

I exist...

...declares Paige – a year 11 wannabe journo with a self-inflicted need to be invisible -- on steamy windows, as a CCTV dance unseen, and on toilet cubicle walls. Head down and content with these silent affirmations, she becomes enticed by red pen notes in the margins of school library books. Paige sets out to find the author, but will she find herself, too?

Life, or Holly Bourne, has dealt Paige a bad hand. A reluctant loner, she’s isolated from her family and her best friend through no fault of her own. Paige finds solace in quiet corners of the school library and the tender embrace of its books. Confronted by such gods and monsters of adolescence that would make Odysseus quail, Holly Bourne throws enough lifelines to make Paige’s struggle a little less epic.

Nobody does *real* like Holly Bourne; she handles heavy issues like they were baby birds. And she’s got a supernatural ability to get the zeitgeist right. I know loads of readers who will absolutely adore this book. Its weighty topics of parental emotional abuse, school bullying, mental illness, and loneliness interplay skillfully with light relief from the silly joy of being alive. Positive aspects include the friendship that precedes the romance, the integral reading list and the non-judgmental approach to the dire family situation. Less so were the ‘central casting’ bullies and the school’s impotence in the face of overwhelming bullying activity, but these things made the plot work so well.

I thought the book was paced well and just the right length. As soon as I got over the discomfort of living out Paige’s angst, the story flew by. Written in the first person, it seems real and urgent, and I rooted for Paige to win through. Paige is definitely a flawed character, and her stumbles throughout the action only made her more endearing. She has the makings of a fine journalist, her weaknesses translating into necessary skills of fly-on-the-wall observation and a concern for justice. It is a privilege to watch her grow through adversity.

Elijah is a true 21st century heartthrob with strength of character, wit and patience and Paige’s quest to find him was a stroke of YA genius. The hook of the Yearbook was a good one and the librarian character, though a little too self-centred and dim, was welcome for those of us librarians who see readers like Paige and Laura sitting alone lunchtime after lunchtime.

This book had all the heart of ‘Dash and Lily’s book of dares’ the romance of ‘Eleanor and Park’ and a toxic family to rival the Wormwoods. There’s a handy to-read list for readers who want to go further and a brilliantly haunting epigraph for all readers:

‘If you’re not scared, then it’s not courage’.

Firstly I should admit that I am probably not the target audience being nearly 32 but I loved this book!
Holly Bourne gives me hope for the future and I wish I had had her books to read when I was in my teens. She champions feminist issues and writes a darn good rollicking story at the same time.
This latest novel introduces us to the 16 year old Paige whose mission initially is to disappear entirely into the crowd - a strategy to avoid the mean girls of her school who enjoy making other peoples' lives a living hell. There is also a sweet tender romance which begins in the pages of library books - how can anyone not be a fan?
What really resonates though is Paige's struggle to break free of the prison-like experience she lives in at school and at home, particularly in calling out the fakery she sees all around her. I was cheering her along and my heart broke for her at times, but it's so lovely to read about a girl who fights her own battles and finds the inner strength to rescue herself rather than wait on a man.
This really is a fabulous read and I think if you still remember the awful dark days of school, this is one for you whatever your age.
Thanks so much Netgalley for the APC.
Much love from the girl voted third most likely to become a children's TV presenter back in my yearbook (ps. It hasn't happened yet)

I’m always excited by a Holly Bourne book and this did not disappoint. Set in a secondary school in England, this could have been my school back in the 80s. The mean girls, the in-crowd, the weirdos, the quiet ones, and the teachers who don’t always see beyond the fakeness. Everyone is fighting to fit in in their own way. Reading this brought me right back to secondary school and although could resonate with so much of what goes on in the 5th year and mixing with boys from the 6th Form when you are not in the cool crowd.
A beautiful story of love and friendship amidst hidden traumas and home life, all bound up in the love of books as an escapism.

I hope all the mean girls and the girls who get mixed up with meanness can take a step back after reading this and understand that people are not all that they seem. Be brave, be kind, stand up for yourself and Do the Right Thing!

It saddens me that many schools are still not able to deal with this bullying behaviour as it is often so hidden.

A fabulous read for any teenager or adult who needs a reminder what their teenager may be going through.
I loved it!

Holly Bourne does it again, with a timely reminder that school is not - for everyone - the best time of their lives.
After a fairly slow start that had me unsure if this was quite what I expected, the story finds its stride and culminates in a positive message that will inspire hope (even if it might not seem wholly credible).
Paige Vickers has got used to seeing herself as a nobody. She’s so used to living under the limelight of her brother and managing the fallout of a toxic home life that she tends to hide in school. Quiet, but highly observant and genuinely amusing, Paige is the voice for all those who wish they had the chance to tell it like it is.
When the school Mean Girls posse - who have spent years systematically bullying anyone deemed unworthy - take over the Yearbook preparations we can see there’s something big brewing. Paige watches in horror as she sees them prepare to leave their legacy...a book full of falsehoods. But, is it up to Paige to call them out?
With the confidence from finally being heard - a side story romance that is straight from the silver screen in its adorable factor - Paige decides it’s time to tell her truth.
Thank you so much Holly Bourne for another must-read for me to recommend to students, and to the publishers and NetGalley for letting me read this prior to its May release.

Genre: Young Adult | Fiction

Release Date: 13th May 2021

TW: Bullying, Abusive Relationships, Mental Health Issues, Illness, Mentions of Cancer and Cancer Recovery.
Most likely to be forgotten: Paige Vickers.

Paige is the quiet one. The one you never really notice, but who notices everything. She knows all the secrets and lies you've told but never tells anyone. Not a word to the bullies in the classrooms, to her agressive father or her passive mother. But now, that's all going to change.

One day she does the unthinkable and makes a scribble in the margin of a library book; just a small reminder that she existed in this place, in this time. But there, in bright red ink, someone has done the same and they begin a journey through the library with their secret notes. When her new confidant comes into the real world, she realises that books are always the perfect place to tell her story - the yearbook maybe?

Oh, look, I gave five stars to a Holly Bourne book again. But she is the Queen of UK YA for a reason and her tenth YA novel is no exception. From the first page, I was pulled back in time to the 'best years of my life' and right away felt myself connected with Paige. For anyone who looks back on their formative years miserably like me, this hits hard. Dealing with the things we turn a blind eye to, the systemic bullying that never seems to stop, the women trapped in miserable relationships because they don't know how to leave, the way a simple rumour can change everything.

It was a perfect journey of self-discovery and self-worth, and as the former quiet kid in school I felt every single thing. Bourne always manages to bring beautiful inclusivity and a feminist streak to her work in such a natural way that makes my heart ache every time.

And the romance? This is any book lovers dream romance. Leaving a note in a book for nobody in particular, and journeying through your favourite books until you can finally meet in reality - even though you both existed in each others lives long before you even knew each others names. But this didn't take over and stifle the plot, we see everyone go on their individual journeys just as clearly as their journeys together.

The Yearbook is a YA masterpeice; an inspiring and witty story for women who are quietly angry in the world finding their voices.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Thank you to Holly Bourne and Usbourne Publishing for an ARC in return for an honest re. view.

I have been a fan of Holly Bourne for a long time and her latest novel, The Yearbook, does not disappoint. I laughed and cried as Paige let us into her life and story, tackling big issues such as emotional abuse, bullying and neglect but ultimately being a story about the importance of love and kindness.

Beautifully written and prompting thought and contemplation on your own teenage years this book left me thinking about what I wish I had written in red pen!

I would recommend this book for both adults who enjoy teenage fiction and want to look back on their final year in secondary school and also for young people who are living through it and may need a book like this to find their voice and realise they are not alone.

I feel like this book was a little misleading. From the blurb I assumed it would be like a high school getting back at the bullies scenario but this book was so much more.

Paige has spent majority of her high school life hiding in the shadows. Observing the fake personalities and behaviours of her peers, jotting down incidents of bullying in her notebooks. Her family barely acknowledge her and show favouritism for her brother, making Paige feel worthless and unloved. But then she meets Elijah, the guy in the year above who also likes to annotate in the library books. Getting to know him allows Paige to come out of her shell and gain confidence to share her truth.

Overall I feel as though this book touched an array of difficult topics and accurately portrays the realities of high school. The popular girls always get what they want and do not see harm in their actions.

What I didn’t like was how flat the book felt towards the end. There was no fighting back from Paige until the final chapters and even then it barely shows the aftermath of her actions. There was a few jokes about cancer that are made by the aunt who has went through it stating that high school was the “worst 5 years of her life and she had breast cancer”. I think this was really insensitive as I am someone who’s had to endure a loved one go through that and not make it out on the other side. I can 100% confirm that cancer is so much worse. Another joke was made about needing Paige for a future transplant. Again, where’s the need? Personally think that these jokes did not add anything to the plot and therefore shouldn’t have been included. I understand that having the aunt be a cancer survivor shows the underlying fear Paige has that if she doesn’t have her aunt, she really has no one to save her, but come on! Don’t make cancer a joke?!

Me crying at another Holly Bourne book? Are we surprised? I’m not.

This book is so important. It touches on some really important topics, that can effect people of all ages; the affect of toxic people on our feelings about our self and out self worth. The importance of unconditional love. Feeling utterly alone in a world where everyone seems to be so fake they might as well be made out of wax.

As always, I found Holly Bourne’s writing so relatable, so touching and so heartbreakingly true.

There were so many lines in the book that touched me, but here is the one I loved the most:
“‘I’m going to take care of you’.
Someone, finally, was going to take care of me.”

ThIs book is just so important. I wish I could give it to any teenager who is struggling to be their true self in a world where authenticity is laughed at and not valued. Always be your true self. Always live your truth.

I’ve read a lot of HB books before and younger me would have probably lapped this book up but twenty two year old me just doesn’t have the same appreciation for these books anymore. I think my major issue with this book was that I went into this thinking it was one thing and it turned out completely different.
I was led to believe this book would tackle issues such as bullying but honestly it was barely mentioned and the issues that came up were frustratingly left unspoken about. I also couldn’t stand our main character Paige and her chaotic personality.
Without giving any spoilers, this book was marketed to be one thing - a girl revealing secrets about people who bullied her etc through her yearbook and let’s be clear: this doesn’t happen.

I wouldn’t recommend and to be honest I’m only giving it a second star because I’ve always liked Holly’s writing.

I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this really is something special. Congratulations Holly Bourne on a cracking, emotional, heart-lifting, heart-wrenching story.

If this story doesn’t tug at your heart strings, make you well up with tears, and make you keep reading, then maybe you’ve been lucky enough to have never dealt with any of the issues that Paige has to in this amazing story.
Maybe, people will read this and see themselves in this story. Hopefully, it could bring about change for the good.

I loved this....it is a story that fills you with every emotion, and has the most perfect ending. Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I am a huge fan of Holly Bourne’s books and this did not disappoint. In this relatable new novel, Holly explores the life and dramas of secondary school life whilst adding comedy traumas.

I think most young people (and adults) will find the content of this amazing book relatable. Even as I was reading this it took me back to my own high school days and I was placing fellow students against these fabulous characters…. How bad is that? But high school is different for everyone and I think every school has a Paige, a Grace, an Amelia and a Cara. We have a Yearbook in our school but I know it is managed very well by a member of staff with the help of students so horrible comments do not end up appearing but I can see how it could happen in some schools.

I loved the character of Paige and how she stands up for what she believes is right in the end. I adore her awkwardness and saw a little bit of my high school self in her. She is brave, courageous and really makes a difference to other students even though she may not see it. I love her relationship with Elijah and how he encourages her to make her own decision but guides her secretly to making the right decisions. I felt sorry for her home life (to clarify this I did not experience, I had a very happy childhood but know others who didn’t) and the fact she is overshadowed by her brother Adam made me feel quite emotional for her. Parents should love all of their children and Paige has so much to put with but I am glad she speaks out about her homelife in the end as many wouldn’t! Her dad infuriated me and I had to keep reading on to see how her homelife would turn out… I won’t say anymore as I don’t want to give anything away.

The Yearbook is Perfect for fans of Sara Barnard novels, All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I think this is now my favourite Holly Bourne novel and that is saying something. She always tops it! Thank you, Holly, for once again writing a novel covering ‘issues’ young people of today can relate to. This book will really support those who need it.

I really liked this, Holly Bourne's books are getting better in my opinon! The story made me feel so uncomfortable, I went straight back to school and how horrible kids can be, and how adults can be ignorant to the bullying and cliques that are around them every day.

I loved the main two characters and I'm so glad she had a family member who loved her. Thank you to the publisher for letting me read an advance copy of this book!

This book was a warm hug to a shy and unsure former version of myself and one I think would resonate with any teenager who doesn’t find themselves amongst the popular kids at school. Paige is unsure, scared and doing her best to keep her head down and just make it through. Then between the pages of an annotated book she finds an ally and a voice of her own, maybe just making it through isn’t enough. A story for any teenager who wants to be heard and to be remembered as more than a side note in a popular kids story.

Holly Bourne's done it again. Everything she writes is fantastic but The Yearbook taps into the systemic bullying that we're led to believe is a part of high school we should accept. Paige, who has always tried to blend into the background to keep the peace, is unwittingly roped in to helping produce the leavers' yearbook alongside the popular mean girls of year 11. A wonderful book about finding your own voice, and the people who encourage you to use it.