FIND LAYLA

A teen suffering from neglect at home films a viral video to shine a spotlight on her bitter truth.

At 14, Layla Bailey is an aspiring scientist and caretaker of her younger brother, Andy. She acts as both subject and observer of her own life, living in an unsafe, moldering apartment that suffers from the same neglect that she and Andy do. Their mother, who checks out more often than not, leaves them to their own devices. Layla is bullied at school for her unkempt appearance and poor personal hygiene, and things come to a head when Andy is taken away by Child Protective Services, prompting her to post a video she filmed of her home for a school biome project. When the video goes viral, Layla tries to do what it takes to survive on her own terms and to control as much of the experiment of her life as she is able. Sharply observed and well-written, Layla’s story is both accessible and resonant, deftly tackling issues of poverty, neglect, and resilience. To get to know Layla is to understand the myriad challenges that many young people face behind closed doors and the fortitude required of them to survive against odds that are stacked against them. Layla’s mother and brother seem to be white; mention of Layla’s hair texture and hair-care needs may cue her as biracial.

A powerful voice that is bound to make an indelible impact on readers.