Forever Is Now

A poignant and lyrical young adult novel-in-verse about a Black teen coming of age in an anxiety-inducing world, from the author of For Black Girls Like Me and In the Key of Us.

I'm safe here.

That's how Sadie feels, on a perfect summer day, wrapped in her girlfriend's arms. School is out, and even though she's been struggling to manage her chronic anxiety, Sadie is hopeful better times are ahead. Or at least, she thought she was safe. When her girlfriend reveals some unexpected news and the two witness a violent incident of police brutality unfold before them, Sadie's whole world is upended in an instant.

I'm not safe anywhere.

That's how Sadie feels every day after--vulnerable, uprooted. She retreats inside as the weeks slip by and relies on her phone to stay connected to the outside world. When Sadie's therapist gives her a diagnosis for her debilitating panic--agoraphobia--she starts on a path of acceptance and healing. Meanwhile, Sadie's best friend, Evan, updates her on the protests taking place in their city. Sadie wants to be a part of it, to use her voice and affect change. But how do you show up for your community when you can't even leave your house?

I can build a safe place inside myself.

That's what Sadie learns over the course of one life-changing summer, with some help from her family, her best friend, an online platform for activists, and a magnetic crush she develops for the new boy next door.

From Stonewall Honor-winning author Mariama J. Lockington comes Forever is Now, a powerful young adult novel-in-verse about mental health, love, family, Black joy, and finding your voice and power in an unforgiving world.

Author: Mariama J. Lockington
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Published: 05/23/2023
Pages: 416
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 1.50d
ISBN: 9780374388881
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 03/13/2023
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2023
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2023 - Book Of Special Distinction
Shelf Awareness 05/30/2023
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2023 pg. 115

About the Author
Mariama J. Lockington is an adoptee, educator, and Stonewall Award-winning author. She has been telling stories and making her own books since the second grade, when she wore shortalls and flower leggings every day to school. She is the critically acclaimed author of the middle-grade novels For Black Girls Like Me and In the Key of Us, both of which earned five starred reviews. Mariama calls many places home but currently lives in Kentucky with her wife; her little sausage dog, Henry; and an abundance of plants.