For me, going into a new Sara Barnard book is handing over my whole heart and waiting to see how she breaks it this time. This Song is About Us was no exception; I have no experience of having a young newly famous boyfriend, but this book still managed to rip me apart and heal something in me I didn't know needed fixing.

Drew and Ruby's relationship is really being strained in this book. Ruby desperately wants to maintain some privacy and carve a space just for the two of them as Drew and the rest of the band (The Kerbs) are catapulted to fame. We see the impact this decision has on them, how secretive they have to be and how Drew has to maintain a public image that's very different from his private self.

I love how Sara showed us the reality of being in a relationship and trying to make that work when there are other demands on your time. Sometimes the choices Drew made infuriated me, but I appreciated how realistic it was and the way it explored Drew and Ruby both looking at these situations very differently.

I adored Stel. Nobody writes a female friendship like Sara Barnard. Nobody. Stel's unwavering support and friendship towards Ruby was one of my favourite things in the book. In some ways, Stel shows us how Ruby's life could have looked different as Stel and Lex are very public with their relationship, but she never once questions Ruby's choice and is there for her when it matters. Everyone needs a friend like Stel.

I loved this whole book. I stayed up late to inhale the last 100ish pages because I could not put it down. I didn't want it to end, but I loved where it did.

Another absolute banger from Sara. All the stars for this one. Definitely get it on your summer reading lists!

Thanks for approving me to read this early on Netgalley.

This was SUPERB! A truly authentic portrayal of the teen experience. This Song is About Us sensitively covers serious topics such as mental health, alcohol/drug addiction, queerbaiting, and social media without being heavy handed or preachy. You could definitely see some nods to recent bands in The Kerbs. Quite possibly Barnard's best yet!?

✨4 stars✨

I always enjoy Sara Barnard’s books and this was no difference! The writing and plot was engaging and I really enjoyed the mixed media aspects of the book.

There were a few characters that irritated me (Marianne in particular, I’m looking at you) and I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, but overall this was a solid YA book that I read really quickly.

I would definitely recommend if you looking for a YA read where the characters feel age appropriate.

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I have read every book Sara Barnard has written and always loved her writing, her newest offering This Song Is About Us is no different. I adored this book from start to end.

Ruby and Drew are young and in love. Drew’s band are about to hit the big time, catapulting him into the spotlight and Ruby is the ever faithful, biggest fan of Drew and his band. Faced with the decision of whether to keep their relationship secret or go public, this book explores the consequences of their decision, the influence of social media, the world of fandom.

I loved the snippets of forum and social media posts between the festivals to help keep us op to date with what the band are doing. My absolutely favourite thing about this book (in typical Sara Barnard style) is the friendship between Ruby and Stel. Nobody writes a layered, female friendship like Sara.

A really emotional read that is bound to tug on your heart strings.

Thank you to Walker Books, Sara Barnard and NetGalley for my early review copy in exchange of a fair and honest review.

I love the way the author writes. It reads like the inner voice of teenagers. This is the kind of books that my KS3 students will bond with. As a 50 something reader, this reminds me of my groupie days.

I love this romantic take on the music world. Especially cool for the YA set. I love behind the scenes looks at the music industry and cannot wait to bring this to readers. It has a DJAT6 vibe to it as well. I loved learning about the real Drew and each of the different music festivals