Real When I'm With You by Lucy Powrie (author) and Scholastic (illustrator)

A summer of fake dating just got real…
Effie is fed up on playing third-wheel to her best friend Chelsea. She dreams of being the main character in her own life. Just when she thinks romance isn’t for her, Effie meets irresistibly cute barista Aiden at her local cafe.
When she’s with him, she doesn’t have to hide she’s autistic and can be her true self. But when Chelsea makes a snide remark about how she’s never had a boyfriend, Effie and Aiden strike up a deal: they’ll pretend to date.
But as their fake feelings start to feel … real, can Effie cast aside what everyone else thinks and follow her heart?

• Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Elle McNicoll


• A whole cast of neurodivergent characters, including an autistic, main character who learns how to be herself and find love.


• fake-dating tropes and a handsome barista love interest


• An exclusive interview with author Lucy Powrie included!