Maisy Hayes Is Not for Sale (Allayne L Webster, Text)

Maisy Hayes Is Not for Sale is a big-hearted read that balances emotional depth with laugh-out-loud moments. Told from the perspective of 14-year-old Maisy, the middle child in a single-parent family doing it tough financially, the story captures the emotional chaos of adolescence with honesty and humour. Maisy is desperate to fit in, especially when the cool new girl takes notice. However, her shame around her family’s financial struggles clouds her judgment and makes it difficult to connect with others. It also fuels conflict at home, especially between Maisy and her chronically ill sister and well-meaning mum. As Maisy begins to understand that everyone carries secrets, she slowly opens up to those around her, starting a powerful journey of self-acceptance, love and growth. Allayne L Webster (Selfie) explores the stigma of poverty with sensitivity and warmth, never underestimating her audience or shying away from hard truths. Webster’s writing is vivid and emotionally charged, peppering the story with playful references to Aussie teen life while grounding it with a realistic cast of characters and setting. This book is for anyone who’s ever felt out of place, wished to be someone else or just wanted to be liked. Perfect for fans of Katrina Nannestad (All the Beautiful Things) and Louise Rennison, Maisy Hayes Is Not for Sale will strike a chord with readers aged 12+ navigating identity, belonging and the pressure to fit in. 

Books+Publishing reviewer: Jacinta White is a freelance reviewer who has worked as a youth and children’s librarian and teacher. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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