The Opposite of Innocent - by Sonya Sones (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Poignant and chilling by turns, The Opposite of Innocent is award-winning author Sonya Sones's most gripping novel in verse yet. It's the story of a girl named Lily, who's been crushing on a man named Luke, a friend of her parents, ever since she can remember.

Luke has been away for two endless years, but he's finally returning today. Lily was only twelve when he left. But now, at fourteen, she feels transformed. She can't wait to see how Luke will react when he sees the new her. And when her mother tells her that Luke will be staying with them for a while, in the bedroom right next to hers, her heart nearly stops.

Having Luke back is better than Lily could have ever dreamed. His lingering looks set Lily on fire. Is she just imagining them? But then, when they're alone, he kisses her. Then he kisses her again. Lily's friends think anyone his age who wants to be with a fourteen-year-old must be really messed up. Maybe even dangerous. But Luke would never do anything to hurt her...would he?

In this powerful tale of a terrifying leap into young adulthood, readers will accompany Lily on her harrowing journey from hopelessness to hope.

From the Back Cover

My name is Lily. This book is about me. And about Luke--a friend of my parents'.

I've been in love with Luke ever since I was a little girl. I used to tell him I was gonna marry him when I grew up. And he'd smile down at me and say, "I'll wait for you, Lily. I promise."

This book is about what happens when I realize Luke has kept that promise.

My friends think anyone his age who wants to be with a fourteen-year-old must be really messed up. Maybe even dangerous.

But Luke would never do anything to hurt me . . .

Would he?

Review Quotes

"A wonderful novel, and an important #MeToo conversation starter." -- Gayle Forman, author of If I Stay and I Have Lost My Way

"A series of free-verse poems full of adolsecent yearning, youthful naivete, and pubescent insecurity. Valuable for those wrestling with sexual and emotional abuse." -- Horn Book Magazine

"Sones is a seasoned hand at the verse novel, varying her poetic forms and measuring pace and impact through line breaks as she develops a realistic picture of a young teen's thought patterns." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A quick moving and emotionally charged novel that explores an important subject." -- Kirkus Reviews

"In her signature style, Sones weaves a pulse-quickening tale of sexual abuse from young victim's view. A portrait of suffering that will break readers' hearts." -- ALA Booklist

"This novel in verse concisely examines one girl's experience of sexual abuse in a way that is both timely and relevant. A must-have for YA collections." -- School Library Journal