• Age: 13 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12

Missy’s sweet sixteenth is just around the corner, but her last three birthdays haven’t exactly been cause for celebration. Her beloved little brother died when she turned thirteen and now birthdays are just painful reminders of the void in their lives. If only she had walked him to school that morning, like she was supposed to ...

To add fuel to the fire, Missy’s mom was arrested just before she could blow out the candles on her fifteenth birthday.

To escape her guilt and her father’s alcohol-induced rages, Missy volunteers at a nearby store where she busies herself to shut out the feelings that her therapist seems to be pushing her to feel.

But then Missy meets Luke — a new classmate she cannot stop thinking about. Luke understands what she is going through more than anybody, but will Missy ever be able to let him in?

Sara de Waard is an author and screenwriter of Métis descent and is currently in the process of exploring her family’s heritage. She is an elementary school teacher and freelance social media manager with a love for film and a soft spot for rap and hip-hop music thanks to her two teenagers. Her writing is often inspired by her compassion for the trials and tribulations of today’s youth. After completing her BA in Radio and Television from Ryerson University and a stint in London, ON, de Waard returned to her hometown of Port Colborne, ON where she currently lives with her kids.

Sara de Waard's profile page

• Winner, ETFO Writer's Award

“A heartfelt story.”

Kirkus Reviews

“A powerful YA debut that tackles traumatic experiences with vivid characters and a smooth writing style that’s sure to draw you in from start to finish!”

Kelly Anne Blount, <i>USA Today</i> bestselling author

“De Waard has done a masterful job of creating well-developed, relatable, imperfect, and likeable characters that help drive the plot forward as Missy moves toward healing. … White Lies is a well-balanced text that blends together humour and romance with serious topics that are relatable to readers in the target audience. Filled with unique and interesting characters, a fast-moving plot, and relevant themes, the text is likely to elicit the full range of emotions in readers. This book is likely to become a well-loved addition to any middle or high school classroom or library. Highly Recommended.”

CM Magazine

“This book shows a teenager's journey as they contend with their personal and emotional turmoil. White Lies is extremely insightful and deserves all the 5 stars given. The plot and the story are beautifully woven together and the perspective on the different events of the book provides a strong voice to the character. Overall this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys realistic fiction!”

American Mensa