Forever Is Now

SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD WINNER â-� A poignant and lyrical young adult novel-in-verse about a Black teen coming of age in an anxiety-inducing world, from the author of For Black Girls Like Me and In the Key of Us.

I''m safe here.

That''s how Sadie feels, on a perfect summer day, wrapped in her girlfriend''s arms. School is out, and even though sheâs been struggling to manage her chronic anxiety, Sadie is hopeful better times are ahead. Or at least, she thought she was safe. When her girlfriend reveals some unexpected news and the two witness a violent incident of police brutality unfold before them, Sadieâs whole world is upended in an instant.

I''m not safe anywhere.

That''s how Sadie feels every day afterâ"vulnerable, uprooted. She retreats inside as the weeks slip by and relies on her phone to stay connected to the outside world. When Sadieâs therapist gives her a diagnosis for her debilitating panicâ"agoraphobiaâ"she starts on a path of acceptance and healing. Meanwhile, Sadie''s best friend, Evan, updates her on the protests taking place in their city. Sadie wants to be a part of it, to use her voice and affect change. But how do you show up for your community when you canât even leave your house?

I can build a safe place inside myself.

Thatâs what Sadie learns over the course of one life-changing summer, with some help from her family, her best friend, an online platform for activists, and a magnetic crush she develops for the new boy next door.

From Schneider Family Book Award and Stonewall Honorâ"winning author Mariama J. Lockington comes Forever is Now, a powerful young adult novel-in-verse about mental health, love, family, Black joy, and finding your voice and power in an unforgiving world.