Praise for The Summer I Wasn’t Me

“The author writes with a queer conscience and her focus is more empirical than satirical. It’s hard-hitting, not side-splitting, although it is by no means a depressing read.” — Curve Magazine

“Lexi is a likable protagonist with wide appeal. Many teens can relate to an adolescent who wants to please her mother and struggles with identity and fitting in, losing a father, trying to conform, and needing to call on her inner strength to challenge a leader, a system, or even her own beliefs…This title is recommended as a quality piece of fiction in a teen collection, and especially as part of an LGBTQ collection.” — VOYA

“Verdi handles the youngsters’ conflicting emotions and dialogue with insight and humor. The varied characters are sympathetic, Lexi is sharp and learning to be herself as her eyes are opened to the hypocrisy and abuse by which she and her friends are being manipulated… The Summer I Wasn’t Me offers both an exciting read, and a sane, solid reference for kids in this difficult and changing time in their lives.” — Lavender Magazine

“[Verdi] is an engaging writer and tells a story that will not only win the hearts of almost any gay teen who’s wrestled with this kind of pressure, but any teen at all who wants to understand the world of their gay peers. And adults will find the same appeal.” — Windy City Times (Chicago’s LGBTQ newspaper)

“I’d recommend The Summer I Wasn’t Me to any teen who is particularly interested in the issue of gay rights and acceptance, but I’d also suggest the book to anyone who enjoys a typical love story (especially one with a fresh, modern twist to it).”  — Teen Reads

“The question of how to balance personal needs with those of one’s parents will resonate for many readers, and Lexi’s earnest efforts to protect her mom from further grief …are poignant and powerfully conveyed… A sweet love story between two protagonists who both heartily deserve a break, and who manage to find one another even in the unlikeliest of settings…offers undeniable appeal to romance buffs.” — BCCB

“A powerful indictment of reparative therapy – a sweet love story – and an unforgettable main character!” — Nancy Garden, author of Annie on My Mind

“This is what contemporary, realistic YA should be all about, forever and always. Verdi has written a book that I wish I wrote and a book that made me smile, laugh and cry at all the appropriate places. You will root for Lexi and her friends as well as want to take care of them and let them know they are loved.”  —  Sara Farizan, author of If You Could Be Mine

“[Lexi and Carolyn’s] relationship develops in a satisfying way.This would be a fine additional purchase for libraries looking to shore up their LGBT collection.” — Booklist