• Age: 13 to 18
• Grade: 4

"A sweet and uplifting novel for reluctant readers." — Kirkus Reviews
Astrid is a teen living in Vancouver who has lost everything: her girlfriend to a guy and her social status when her parents lose their jobs. Determined to make her way into university, she joins a robotics club hoping to make contacts and win a scholarship but also finds the love of her life. The Love Code tells the story of a relatable teen navigating the contemporary world of women working in STEM careers within a changing economy.

Born in Denmark, Mette Bach grew up in North Delta. Her essays have appeared in Vancouver Review, First Person Queer (Arsenal Pulp Press), Second Person Queer (Arsenal Pulp Press) and Visible: A Femmethology (Homofactus Press). Her journalism has appeared in The Advocate, The Globe & Mail, and Xtra. She has an MFA in creative writing from UBC, writes a column called Not That Kind of Girl for Outlooks Magazine (Canada's LGBTQ Magazine) and Out Look Weekly (in Columbus, Ohio). She teaches four creative writing courses for the Continuing Studies Department at Langara College. Karen X. Tulchinsky directed Mette Bach's first screenplay, Ms. Thing, which played at film festivals around the world. Daniella Sorrentino directed her second screenplay, Viral, which will debut at festivals this summer. Off the Highway is her first book.

Mette Bach's profile page

"LGBTQ+ teens will easily be able to see themselves in the story."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Shows that LGBTQ+ teens experience many of the same issues when falling in love that non-LGBTQ+ do."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"A sweet and uplifting novel for reluctant readers."

Kirkus Reviews