Description

Told over three summer festivals, this stunning novel from bestselling prizewinner Sara Barnard charts the emotional turmoil of young love and early fame.

When stardom calls, can love survive?

The Kerbs are a four-piece pop rock band on the verge of breaking big the moment that frontman Drew turns 18 at the end of the summer. But Drew and his long-term girlfriend Ruby have a decision to make: go public right from the start or keep their relationship private, away from the intrusive lens of the tabloids and the scrutiny of the Kerbs’ fanbase.

The choice seems easy. Ruby wants her life to remain her own – she’s seen how fame can devour the lives of those who stand in the periphery.

But staying secret comes with a price. As Drew’s star rises and rumours begin to stir, Ruby starts to wonder if love is strong enough to keep them together when Drew’s fame seems destined to drive them apart.

“Brilliant.” Holly Bourne

“Nuanced and thoughtful, authentic and exciting.” Tia Fisher

“Sara knows how to dive into the messiest, most complicated parts of people and write about those parts with genuine care and compassion.” Sophie Jo

Publisher Review

Be careful what you wish for. This Song is About Us takes us backstage behind the glam of the music business – how does it feel when your childhood sweetheart rockets to fame and leaves you behind? Drew struggles with stardom and stress and substance abuse; Ruby struggles with her decision to keep their relationship secret. Will the pressure break them? No-one – no-one – gets inside the teen head quite like Sara Barnard. This Song is About Us is a nuanced and thoughtful, authentic and exciting, perfectly-pitched festival of a heart-breaking romance. Out April 3rd, in time for the summer – you’ve got to pop this in your backpack. * Tia Fisher, author of Crossing the Line * I read this book in one sitting – it’s fast-paced, powerful, and full of authentic, layered characters. Sara knows how to dive into the messiest, most complicated parts of people and write about those parts with genuine care and compassion. * Sophie Jo, author of Red Flags * Featured, April Children’s Previews * The Bookseller * I love this romantic take on the music world. Especially cool for the YA set. I love behind the scenes looks at the music industry and cannot wait to bring this to readers. * Netgalley Reviewer * I love the way the author writes. It reads like the inner voice of teenagers. This is the kind of books that my KS3 students will bond with. Five stars. * Netgalley Reviewer *