Someone I Wanted to Be

A melancholy, memorable piece tackling shame, unkindness, poverty, and, finally, hope.
—Kirkus Reviews

Wills’s first novel is a realistic portrayal of small-town life, friendship feuds, family issues, and relationships gone wrong…The blend of danger, romance, and family and relationship issues makes for an ultimately satisfying read. With frenemies and intrigue, new friends, strong characters, and a well-developed plot, this is a worthwhile purchase.
—School Library Journal

In a promising debut, Wills brings all manner of flawed characters to life as 16-year-old Leah Lobermeir relates her journey from being the helpless butt of fat jokes into someone slightly less vulnerable…For readers of realistic fiction, Leah’s distinctive voice is spot on.
—School Library Connection

Debut author Wills empathetically illustrates Leah’s predicament, immobilized in poverty and relentlessly bullied.
—Publishers Weekly

Someone I Wanted to Be tells the story of a realistic character struggling with a bad self-image and feelings of low self-worth. Leah’s character transforms throughout the book as she begins to surround herself with other characters who see her value beyond her physical appearance…This novel will appeal to teens who enjoy gritty, realistic fiction authors similar to Ellen Hopkins.
—VOYA