Tart

“I think this book will connect with many young people who are just on the edge of finding themselves, it feels authentic in exploring many aspects and turmoils teens are facing – school, family, fake friends, even self-doubt. In this way, I feel like Crossley’s writing acts like an emotional guide for them to process their feelings and troubles, giving them room to stand out as their own person and express themselves freely without any societal burdens” – Lara, 20

By Becki Jayne Crossley

Bloomsbury YA

When your world is crumbling around you, how do you make life sweet again?

Libby’s life is turned upside down when a video of her ‘cheating’ on her boyfriend, Dan, goes viral the night he has a serious bike accident. Now the whole school has turned on her and her only friend is Neha, the new girl everyone else ignores.

If Dan doesn’t wake up from his coma soon, the secret he’s been carrying around might disappear along with him. A secret that will change everything. And he’s not the only one hiding things – Neha’s been crushing on Libby for months …

But when Libby finds herself falling for Neha she worries that if she follows her heart she will betray the people she cares about most. Can she discover who she really is before she loses everyone?

A heartwarming friends-to-lovers queer romance about coming out and finding yourself along the way. Perfect for fans of She Gets the Girl and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

 

About the Author

Becki Jayne Crossley (she/they) has had a book in their hands since before she could actually read, and since mastering the art of holding a pencil they’ve been writing down stories. As a bisexual author, Becki is passionate about queer YA stories that portray the realities of coming out and discovering your sexuality – especially considering the lack of stories they had like this while growing up. When not writing, Becki can be found reading at her favourite coffee shops around Nottingham, playing too much The Sims 4 and occasionally painting things with questionable skill.

 

“I’m over the moon that Tart has been chosen for this year’s Big City Reads campaign! It’s such an incredible initiative and it’s an honour to be part of it, especially as a Nottingham local. It’s always been my hope that the themes of discovering your identity and finding your people would resonate with young readers, as I know how important a book like this would have been for me as a closeted teenager.”

   – Becki Jayne Crossley, author of Tart

 

To find out more about Big City Reads, click here.



Big City Reads 2026

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