Everyone's Thinking It

At an elite boarding school in the English countryside, Nigerian cousins Iyanu and Kitan are thrown into the middle of a schoolwide conspiracy when everyone's juicy secrets are released in a Burn Book-style the week before the annual Valentine's Day Ball.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2023
Publisher: Scholastic

At an elite boarding school in the English countryside, Nigerian cousins Iyanu and Kitan are thrown into the middle of a schoolwide conspiracy when everyone's juicy secrets are released in a Burn Book-style the week before the annual Valentine's Day Ball. Within the walls of Wodebury Hall, reputation is everything. But aspiring photographer Iyanu is more comfortable observing things safely from behind her camera. For Iyanu's estranged cousin Kitan, life seems perfect. She has money, beauty, and friends like queen bee Heather. But as a Nigerian girl in a school as white and insular as Wodebury, Kitan struggles with the personal sacrifices needed to keep her place - and the protection she gets - within the exclusive popular crowd. Then, photos from Iyanu's camera are stolen and splashed across the school - each with a juicy secret written on it. With everyone's dirty laundry suddenly out in the open, the school explodes in chaos, and the whispers accusing Iyanu of being the one behind it all start to feel like déjà vu. Each girl is desperate to unravel the mystery of who stole the photos and why. But exposing the truth will change them all forever.

Dear White People meets Mean Girls in this major new YA novel of 2023. Bursting with romance, juicy secrets, and thought-provoking social commentary on sensitively handled topics including racism and queerphobia, Aleema Omotoni explores the fragility of reputation and the power of community while weaving a hugely entertaining mystery. A Gossip Girl for the new age that's impossible to put down, Omotoni spins an intricate web of relationships that are all tangled in relevant questions of identity, oppression, and community. This is an absolute knockout debut, and once reading, everyone will be thinking it.

The stolen photos have caused a stir among the students at Wodebury Hall, with each girl desperate to uncover the truth behind the scandal. While some suspect Iyanu, others believe that someone else must be responsible. As the investigation unfolds, tensions rise and friendships are tested.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is the exploration of identity and the pressures that come with fitting in. Iyanu, for example, is a Nigerian girl who feels like an outsider in a predominantly white school. She struggles to find her place and often feels like she is not good enough. Kitan, on the other hand, has everything that Iyanu desires but struggles with the expectations that come with her privileged status.

The novel also delves into issues of racism and queerphobia, which are handled with sensitivity and nuance. Omotoni does not shy away from these topics but rather addresses them head-on, providing a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on the experiences of marginalized students.

As the Valentine's Day Ball approaches, the stakes are higher than ever. The girls must decide whether to expose the truth and risk their reputations or to keep the secrets hidden and protect their friendships. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment to see how the story unfolds.

Overall, "Burn Book" is a captivating and thought-provoking YA novel that explores the complexities of identity, reputation, and community. With its engaging characters, intriguing plot, and relevant social commentary, it is sure to be a hit with readers of all ages.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 196 x 128 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780702314735