Little & Lion

Sixteen-year-old Little is sent to boarding school as her parents learn to deal with her step-brother, Lion’s, diagnosis of bi-polar disorder. She faces challenges as she learns she is attracted to her female roommate and endures bullying because of it, but her return home also poses challenges as Little and Lion are attracted to the same girl. This coming-of-age story deals with sensitive issues of sexual identity and mental illness and its impact on family dynamics and relationships. Suitable as an independent or small group novel, it also lends itself to cross-curricular study of how families deal with mental health crises and resources and supports available. Social considerations noted.