Look inside
Harley Matthews is a used to fading into the background. That is until Rising Stars, the high-school programme that takes talented students and makes their dreams come true, choose him to participate for the coveted position of winner for this year’s competition.
The first problem? They’ve also chosen Annabella, Billie and Theo. Aka Year Eleven’s most popular and powerful pupils. Aka the Perfect Four. The second problem? They didn’t choose the last member of the Perfect Four: Oliver. The third problem? Harley must compete with them all to win.
Harley’s world is turned upside down as he’s thrust into the school’s limelight. So much for laying low. But with new-found supporters comes envious enemies. And when he finds a chalk outline of his body drawn at the bottom of the school stairs, he has the face the reality that someone wants him out the competition – permanently. But the underdog deserves to win, right?
Remember, this story is a lie.
Please note: The Story is a Lie is not suitable for younger readers.
Author video
Resources
Check out Benjamin Dean’s assembly video where he shares children’s books he’s enjoyed, where he loves to read, his top tips for enjoying reading and more!
About the author
Benjamin Dean
Benjamin Dean is a full-time author with a background in celebrity journalism. He has interviewed a host of glitzy celebrities and broke the news that Rihanna can’t wink (she blinks, in case you were wondering). His award-winning middle-grade debut, Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow, was described as ‘One of the most joyful books you’ll read this year’ (The Bookseller), and he’s since gone on to publish The Secret Sunshine Project, as well The King is Dead and How to Die Famous for older readers. Benjamin can be found on Twitter as @notagainben tweeting about Rihanna and LGBTQ+ culture to his 10,000+ followers
Alternative formats
The £1/€1.50 books are also available in braille, large print & audio via Guide Dogs, Vision Ireland, RNIB and Calibre Audio. If you require one of these formats, please find out about diversity and inclusion.
