The Million Pieces of Neena Gill: Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2020

Description

A deeply moving and powerful #ownvoices story from a bold and exciting new voice in British young adult fiction How can I hold myself together, when everything around me is falling apart? Neena's always been a good girl - great grades, parent-approved friends and absolutely no boyfriends. But ever since her brother Akash left her, she's been slowly falling apart - and uncovering a new version of herself who is altogether more dangerous. As her wild behaviour spirals more and more out of control, Neena's grip on her sanity begins to weaken too. And when her parents announce not one but two life-changing bombshells - including that they want her to have an arranged marriage - she finally reaches breaking point. But as Neena is about to discover, when your life falls apart, only love can piece you back together.

Emma Smith-Barton was born in South Wales to Pakistani parents, and growing up between cultures has heavily influenced her writing. Before writing, she taught in secondary schools and her adult short stories have appeared in various publications. The Million Pieces of Neena Gill is Emma's first novel for young adults.

Powerful, relatable and uplifting * Emily Barr, author of The One Memory of Flora Banks * An honest, thought-provoking story about grief and mental health * The Sun * [P]owerful stuff . . . a refreshing and realistic spin on the average teen romance. * Financial Times * Smith-Barton . . . writes powerfully about mental health, psychosis and growing up between cultures * Bookseller, One to Watch * WOW! The Million Pieces Of Neena Gill is an authentic, compelling & touching portrayal of teenage Neena's journey through the deterioration of her mental health * Abigail Tarttelin, author of Golden Boy and Dead Girls * This novel thoughtfully and sensitively portrays a teenage experience of psychosis, a mental illness rarely written about. A masterful piece of storytelling. * The Scotsman *