Just Like Everyone Else

Thirteen-year-old Aidan is struggling to accept his potential homosexuality while his mother is a surrogate for a gay couple. He finds solace in running, but he's afraid to come out before he's ready.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd

Thirteen-year-old Aidan finds himself suffocating in his crowded family home, desperately seeking a way to escape the constant noise and physical affection. Running becomes his only respite from his four loud sisters and overly involved, touchy-feely parents. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when his mother announces that she will be acting as a surrogate for a gay couple, Justin and Atif.

Aidan's initial reaction is anger and resentment. He cannot fathom why his family has to become even more unconventional and attention-grabbing. He feels embarrassed and ashamed, as if his family wasn't already embarrassing and oversized enough. But beneath his anger, there is a deeper fear gnawing at him. Aidan has been struggling with his own sexuality, and he fears that being around Justin and Atif will force him to confront the truth about himself before he is ready.

If only he could be like everyone else. He longs for a simple, uncomplicated life where he doesn't have to worry about fitting in or being different. But as he spends more time with Justin and Atif, he begins to realize that they are just like any other family. They love each other deeply, and they are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for their child.

Aidan's journey towards self-acceptance is a difficult one, filled with self-doubt and fear. He struggles to understand why he feels the way he does and wonders if he is destined to live a lonely and isolated life. But with the support of his family and the guidance of his therapist, he begins to piece together his identity and learn to embrace the things that make him unique.

Through his experiences, Aidan learns that it is okay to be different. He realizes that his family's love and support are unwavering, and that he doesn't have to conform to societal expectations to be happy. He learns to accept himself for who he is, flaws and all, and to celebrate his uniqueness.

In the end, Aidan's story is a testament to the power of love, acceptance, and family. It is a story that reminds us that we are all unique and that it is our differences that make us beautiful. It is a story that shows us that it is never too late to learn to love ourselves and to embrace our true selves.

Praise for Sarah Hagger-Holt:

Sarah Hagger-Holt is an award-winning author known for her sensitive and compassionate storytelling. Her books have received widespread acclaim, with critics praising her ability to create characters that are both relatable and authentic.

Hagger-Holt's first book, "The Kind of Love We Need," was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and received widespread praise for its portrayal of a young girl's journey to self-acceptance. Her subsequent books, including "The Girl Who Couldn't Stop Talking" and "The Truth About Me," have continued to explore themes of identity, family, and self-acceptance, resonating with readers of all ages.

One of Hagger-Holt's strengths as a writer is her ability to create characters that feel like real people, with their flaws and imperfections. Her characters are often complex and nuanced, and their journeys to self-discovery are relatable and heartfelt. Hagger-Holt's gentle and compassionate approach to storytelling makes her books accessible to a wide range of readers, and her books have been praised for their ability to promote empathy and understanding.

In addition to her writing, Hagger-Holt is also an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken publicly about her own experiences with anxiety and depression. Her books often address these issues in a sensitive and thoughtful way, providing a platform for young readers to explore their own emotions and seek help if needed.

Overall, Sarah Hagger-Holt is a talented and accomplished writer whose books have had a significant impact on the lives of many readers. Her ability to create characters that are both relatable and authentic, and her gentle and compassionate approach to storytelling make her books a valuable addition to the literary landscape.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801315784