Out and about

While living on a narrow boat on the Macclesfield Canal, Liz Kessler had two book ideas — the tale of Emily Windsnap, a girl who discovers she is a mermaid, and the story of Ashleigh, who recognises she is a lesbian after falling in love with her English teacher. The mermaid series sold more than 4.4 million copies. Ashleigh’s story — published as Read Me Like a Book (Orion, £10.99) — was set aside for 15 years.

As Kessler became well known for “middle-grade semi-fantasy… it became harder and harder to know how I was going to rock the boat” by changing tack. Then a series of news reports of youngsters committing suicide after homophobic bullying, along with Russia’s introduction of anti-gay legislation, brought out Kessler’s “inner 20-year-old who went on marches. I was planning my civil partnership and feeling more confident.

“A song came along by the L Project, called It Does Get Better [produced to raise money for charities that help prevent LGBT bullying]. I listened to it and cried my eyes out.” The time had come for Read Me Like a Book.

The novel is part of a rush of LGBT lit for young adults, which also includes David Levithan’s Hold Me Closer (Penguin, £7.99). This sparkly, fictional coming-out musical, was originally alluded to in Will Grayson, Will Grayson, a novel co-written by Levithan and John Green. “I think the UK is catching up to the US, as far as LGBT YA is concerned,” says Levithan. “A generation ago, there might have been some hesitation about sharing these stories. More diversity is needed… but we’ve come a long way.”

Kessler’s Read Me Like a Book is not just about coming out — it’s a comingof-age novel that will resonate with all teens — and parents. Ashleigh’s awkward dates with Dylan, a straight boy, are memorable and Kessler, who was brought up in a supportive Reform Jewish household, shows great empathy with parents who, whatever the circumstances, “just want their children to be happy”.

Family background is equally important for Levithan. “I explored it my novel, Wide Awake, which starts with the election of the first gay Jewish president. But I’m sure I’ll end up exploring it even more some day… You can’t sit through a Seder without thinking ‘this is a great set-up for a scene in a novel.”