• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 7 to 12

Outta Here is the story of a lively and imaginative small-town teen living with a mom whose pain medication has led to addiction, leaving little money for basics -- like food.

Elise’s best friend and her sympathetic teachers offer what help they can, but there’s only so much they can do. Elise’s situation suddenly turns dangerous when her mother invites a fellow addict into their lives. Elise has to find a way to get out – to get to college, pay for her education, and deal with her mother’s lifestyle.

LEA BEDDIA has written an authentic, hard-hitting novel which captures a reality faced by many teens whose families experience the epidemic of opioid addiction. Elise's story highlights life choices a teen can face, and the overwhelming feelings that can come if those choices have to be made with little support from family or community.

Lea Beddia is an author, storyteller and educator. Born and raised in Montreal, she now teaches in Joliette, Quebec, where she lives with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing for teenagers, she’s likely watching zombies take over the world, eavesdropping on conversations, or baking something with too much chocolate. She wanted to be a superhero when she was younger, but will settle for creating characters who can change the world. Her missions are to create accessible literature to striving readers, and to find the best gelato on the planet. She will not give up on her quest for either. Visit her at www.leabeddia.com, on Facebook or Instagram @BeddiaLea.

Lea Beddia's profile page

Élise is a powerhouse of a character… A heartbreaking testament to saving oneself.

Kirkus Reviews

…well-written and very realistic. Beddia does a solid job of dealing with heavy topics including drug addiction, violence, emotional trauma, and the complications that being a family can bring. Élise, as the protagonist, is a strong female character that shows the reader what resilient young people can do to stand up for themselves while planning for a successful future... I can’t say enough great things about this book. Highly Recommended ★★★★★

CM: Review of Materials