Strong Like You

“A resounding, powerful novel from a fresh voice in YA fiction. Sparse, poetic prose tells the story of Walker Lauderdale, an embattled teen living in the Ozarks, trying to be strong like his missing father. Wrapped in grit and danger, the story's exploration of strength is transformative and inspiring. Strong Like You tore out my heart and put it back together again. If you read nothing else this year, read this beautiful book.” —Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, author of Lies Like Wildfire and Friends Like These

“The ache and search for lost fathers drives this stirring addition to the contemporary literature of the Ozarks. Simpson offers an unflinching yet hopeful tale of hard-knock youth driven to the edge by their inherited and tragic lessons of what makes a man.” —Kelly J. Ford, Anthony-nominated author of Real Bad Things

“T. L. Simpson’s emotionally charged coming-of-age tale drags all five of the reader’s senses across hot coals as troubled teen linebacker Walker Lauderdale struggles to cope with the searing aftermath of a hardhearted father who has mysteriously vanished. The author’s choice to bring Walker’s story to life via a flinty, first-person, present-tense monologue is nothing short of genius.” —Craig Leener, author of There’s No Basketball on Mars

“A well-executed story by a dynamic and riveting writer. Take notice—T. L. Simpson has arrived.” —Paul Volponi, multi-award-winning, bestselling author of Black and White, Rikers High, The Final Four, Superhero Smart and SpongeBob SquarePants: The Unauthorized Fun-ography

“I love Walker Lauderdale, this kid so angry—with every right to be angry—who takes it all out on the football field. He has this great courage that drives him forward into danger and truth, but also, eventually, into acceptance and the space to be moved by the love around him. Walker is so much more than some poor kid, more than a linebacker to be feared, more than a footnote in a rural tragedy. In his coming of age, he becomes graceful. This is a hell of a book.” —Geoff Herbach, author of Stupid Fast and Hooper

“Strong Like You is a twisty and thought-provoking mystery I can’t stop thinking about. In his engaging debut novel, T. L. Simpson takes an unflinching and insightful look at boyhood, masculinity and what it truly means to be ‘strong.’ His vulnerable characters and enchanting prose are a breath of fresh air, making this book relatable, slightly gut-wrenching and absolutely impossible to put down. I know I’ll be sharing this one with all the young people in my life!” —Emily Bleeker, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of When I’m Gone

• Local author appearances with book sellers
• Pitch to select festivals
• Top account e-galley mailing
• Edelweiss+ e-galley promotion
• Trade advertising campaign
• Consumer advertising campaign
• Social media advertising campaign
• Digital assets for social
• Included in influencer outreach
• Social media outreach
• Promotion on American Booksellers Association and Independent Bookseller Association
• Cross-promotion through author's website and social media profiles
• Digital Press Kit
• Featured in eNewsletter
• National Advertising
• National Author Appearances
• National Publicity Campaign
• National Review Attention
• Promotional Materials