Meredith Russo crafts narratives that delve into the complexities of identity, sexuality, poverty, and mental health. Her works, often set in the Southern Appalachia region, offer profound insights into characters navigating challenging circumstances. Russo's writing is characterized by its attention to detail and psychological depth, managing to explore difficult themes with a surprising lightness and an underlying current of hope. Her prose resonates with readers through its authentic portrayal of human experiences.
Meet Morgan and Eric: born on the same day, at the same time and bonded for life. In this moving dual narrative, we meet them every birthday from the age of thirteen, as Eric figures out who he is, as Morgan decides to live as her true self, and as they realize they are inextricably part of each other.
Meredith Russo's award-winning, big-hearted novel If I Was Your Girl is about being seen for who you really are, with a love story you can't help but root for! Amanda Hardy is the new girl in school. Like anyone else, all she wants is to make friends and fit in. But Amanda is keeping a secret, and she’s determined not to get too close to anyone. But when she meets sweet, easygoing Grant, Amanda can’t help but start to let him into her life. As they spend more time together, she realizes just how much she is losing by guarding her heart. She finds herself yearning to share with Grant everything about herself, including her past. But Amanda’s terrified that once she tells him the truth, he won't be able to see past it. Because the secret that Amanda’s been keeping? It's that at her old school, she used to be Andrew. Will the truth cost Amanda her new life, and her new love? Stonewall Book Award Winner Walter Dean Myers Honor Book for Outstanding Children's Literature A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year A Goodreads Choice Award Finalist A Zoella Book Club Selection A Bustle Best YA Book of the Year IndieNext Top 10 One of Flavorwire’s 50 Books Every Modern Teenager Should Read