A River I Must Be

A River I Must Be by Kate Foster is a moving verse novel about autism, belonging and the exhausting craft of masking. Told in spare, lyrical poems, it’s an absorbing read for anyone who loves contemporary YA with emotional bite and a distinctive voice.

Rebecca Tapia has just started at a prestigious new school, where unspoken rules and constant expectations feel impossible to decode. With her mum away and her dad dealing with pressures of his own, Rebecca leans on the one strategy that helps her get through the day: blending in, staying quiet, and hiding how hard everything really is. But the more she bends to fit, the more she wonders what it might take to be herself.

Perfect for readers seeking neurodiversity representation, coming-of-age stories, and novels in verse that reward a slower, more thoughtful read.

Add it to your stack and discover a story that lingers well after the last page.