Cross My Heart and Never Lie

An absorbing, sincerely told story of adolescent self-discovery and connection.

Evocative of greats like Judy Blume and Sharon Creech....raw, sweet, relatable, and realistic, this modern classic has a timelessness that will leave a lasting impact.

Reuniting with her best friends--Vietnamese Bao and pale-skinned Linnéa--is the only reason that 12-year-old white-cued Tuva is excited to head back to Norway following her summer in Greece. But after Tuva returns, Linnéa ditches the trio's after-school hangout early, frustrating Bao and worrying Tuva. When Linnéa reveals that she has a boyfriend--and admits that she'd rather do "girly things" like wear makeup than spar with sticks in the woods like they used to do--she and Bao have an argument that ruptures the group's dynamic. Soon, Tuva's classmates split into "girls who fall in love" and "girls who NEVER fall in love." Hoping to stay neutral, Tuva befriends brown-skinned new girl Mariam, but when Bao disparages Tuva's constantly talking about her ("I really can't handle another friend in love"), Tuva struggles to sort out her feelings--especially since the only thing her peers seems to agree on is that girls shouldn't date other girls. In this warmly rendered debut graphic novel, structured as Tuva's illustrated personal diary, Dåsnes punctuates Tuva's anxieties surrounding her fear of losing friends via styles that shift between sparsely detailed monochrome panels and moody full-color spreads that capture Tuva's indomitable spirit. Ages 10-up. Agent: Evy Tillman, Oslo Literary. (Sept.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"A soft and adorable story of first sapphic love and the trials and tribulations of pre-teen friendships....Reading this was like a warm hug." — Alice Oseman, NYT Bestselling author of Heartstopper 

"A Best New Graphic Novel. Compelling." — We Are Teachers

Featured on Kirkus' 10 Essential Middle Grade Books list

"Oh, Tuva. I want to climb into this book and hug you....Tuva has what it takes to get through this weird time of life....A really lovely look at all the changes that can come with being 12." — Teen Librarian Toolbox, School Library Journal

"Charming ... captures the challenges of navigating strains on friendship bonds...An absorbing, sincerely told story of adolescent self-discovery and connection." — Kirkus Reviews 

"Timeless and international....the "Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret" of the 21st Century....a relatable and touching story with incredibly charming and captivating art. " — Viewpoint Books

"I've read a lot of MG books that focus on friendship and what it's like as friends go from childhood to being teenagers, and this one stands out! I love how silly this book was in the way that 11 and 12 year olds are! The doodles and way of thinking felt so true to life. I'd highly recommend this for any kid going through the elementary to middle transition." - Meg Smith, North Carolina Public Schools

"Hilarious and well drawn." - Rogene Carter, American Lee Academy International

"Lovely...the unique format added more emotional depth than one can find in most graphic novels....Dåsnes illustrations have a quirky style that's easy to fall into." - Lucy Kirby, Barrington Public Library

"Diary meets graphic novel.... clever and I loved the handwritten element. Truly adorable!" - Silver Unicorn Books