This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki and Illustrated by Nicole Goux


Abby Kita was sent to Wilberton Girls School after a tragedy at her previous school. As the new kid, she seems to be constantly picked on, especially by members of the WTS, the elite theater group at the school. After the group's showing of Romeo and Juliet Abby leaves the after party and heads back to her room, determined not to mingle with any of the other girls. On her way back though she runs into Elizabeth the beautiful star of the play who she says some pretty bizarre things to Abby, and she rushes off leaving her playbook behind. Abby hangs on to it to give to Elizabeth the next day, however, tragedy has struck again and Elizabeth is found dead. The police say it's a suicide but Abby has found a clue, tucked away in the play that points to murder. 

This was such a sad story that was and unfortunately still is common for girls and members of the LGBTQ+ community. There isn't necessarily a light at the end of this tunnel, it truly is tragic from beginning to the end. However, the fact that the story exists at all seems to be the light itself. The author dedicates the book to those who do not fit and has a special thank you for those who bullied them in school. I find that to be comforting. Is Abby a representation of the author? Honestly, I have no idea but somehow these two pieces at the end gave me hope that Abby went on to have a wonderful life. 

Honestly, this story may be triggering for some but I can see it as being cathartic as well, so I do fully recommend it but there are mentions of rape, drug use, suicide/murder, as well as external and internalized homophobia. 

As always thanks to NetGalley and Abrams Kids for the eArc!

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