What a journey! I absolutely loved this book, and I'm so happy to see more main characters with disabilities where the point of the story is self acceptance and understanding over 'conquering'' or 'correcting'. Stories centring the disabled child rather than an inspirational story for their non-disabled friend or family member.

Whilst I do not have a stammer, I am autistic and have selective mutism as well as physical and verbal tics. Lily touched my heart far more than I had first expected. The very close representation of my own experiences with public speaking, mixed with Conway's simple yet morish writing style was a winner for me.

I found myself fully immersed in the battles Lily was facing; whether at home with her separated family, at school with the bullies and class projects, or her internal war of self-disgust. The narrative flowed so well that when I looked up for a drink I realised I'd devoured half of the book without noticing.

I also adored the chapter headers! Each chapter has a beautiful little illustration of a hedgehog as well as a fact about them that realates to Lily at that point of her story. Watching her grow and the facts fit her actions or thoughts - such a genius idea.

I will definitely adding this to my list of books for the school library. Another to the all time favourites pile!