The Girl Who Couldn't Lie

Wonderfully gentle handling of what can be quite a painful topic, and set in a world specifically designed to get Priya to take (and enjoy the fruits of taking) her Ba's advice. Adults may find this to be extremely confronting, with themes relating to how far you'll go to people-please and why, Some may also find this to be incredibly relatable (and triggering), especially those of us who are struggling to tell the truth and commit to actions in line with our truth. To them (and me), I'd say the best way to get through it - is to get through it. And, don't worry, Sanghani has our back, and, at times, it feels like she holds our hand and guides us step-by-step to the other side.

Multiple moving parts in Priya's life push her more and more to be a truth-teller and enjoy the consequences that come with it. Could be treated as proof for why honesty works. Perfect for guided journaling and meditations, reading on a crowded bus, and on a rainy day.

I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

Priya's parents fight. A lot. She feels pushed and pulled in many directions, by her parents, at school, at gymnastics, by the bully who makes her do her homework, by her sister who's ADHD makes her hard to handle, by her friends, and most of all by her parent's rules that you don't share any struggles outside family. And her one family confidante, her grandmother, died last year. So, Priya lies. A lot.


All this changes when she puts on her grandmother's final gift to her, a bangle said to be enchanted-and it won't come off. Now, Priya can't lie. Not to the teacher who hates her. Not to her bully. Not to her friends. Not to her parents. Not to her coach. And that doesn't always go well.

Everyone who feels trapped will relate to Priya's story, both the ups and downs. This is an excellent middle grade book that will have a wide appeal to many students. It deserves a place in libraries and classrooms.