Look Me in the Eye
About this ebook
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 DAVITT YOUNG ADULT AWARD
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 MARGARET AND COLIN RODERICK LITERARY AWARD
running late
drop it off without me
I type drop what off? I don't know what Mish is talking about.
While I'm typing, another message appears. don't tell bella
But I am Bella.
Best friends Bella and Connie live on the outskirts of the city in an area that was once full of open fields and paddocks but is changing as the suburbs creep closer. And now there is Mish, Connie's cousin, who has to be included even though she is unfriendly and unpredictable. The pandemic lockdowns have lifted and the three teens are eager to explore their newfound independence. But with the world opening up, there has been a rise in surveillance, from apps that track their movements to voice recorders and hidden cameras. It feels like everyone is watching them. But when does 'watching' become 'watching over'?
Do we have a right to know everything about those we love? Look Me in the Eye is a gripping tale of young teens navigating freedom and trust-building, privacy and secrets, in an era of parental surveillance.
'An important novel that rings true to life' BOOKS+PUBLISHING
'Captivating . . . Readers from middle school age to adults will find this story engaging and enlightening' READPLUS
Praise for Jane Godwin's writing:
'Fantastically tense in places, A Walk in the Dark is a great read for all kids ages 11 plus' Readings
'Refreshingly unpredictable, bold and refuses to minimise the complex lives of [its] characters' Saturday Age
'This book is a joy to read' CBCA Judges' report on When Rain Turns to Snow
'Quality storytelling . . . gripping' The Australian Women's Weekly
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About the author
Jane Godwin is the highly acclaimed and internationally published author of over fifty books for children and young people, across all styles and ages. Children's Publisher at Penguin Books Australia for many years, Jane's books include her novels Look Me in the Eye, A Walk in the Dark, As Happy as Here (winner of the 2025 YABBA Award, Years 7-9) and When Rain Turns to Snow (shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers and for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards). Jane's picture books include Tilly, illustrated by Anna Walker, shortlisted for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award; A Life Song (also with Anna Walker), winner of the 2024 ABIA Award for best picture book, and Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree? (illustrated by Terry Denton), also shortlisted for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award. Jane is dedicated to pursuing quality and enriching reading and writing experiences for young people, and helping them to explore their creativity. In 2024 Jane received the Pixie O'Harris Award for services for children's literature. janegodwin.com.au Instagram: @janiegodwin
