Spring 2025

The Girl Who Couldn't Lie

  • Interest Level: Grade 5 - Grade 8
  • Reading Level: Grade 5

Priya lies a lot. She tells her friends everything’s fine at home when in reality, her parents argue constantly. She tells her parents everything’s great at school even though Katie Wong’s bullying her. She tells her gymnastics coach she’ll happily do whatever it takes to win the upcoming championship, despite being secretly sick of the constant training. She figures this is the only way to avoid disappointing or upsetting others.

Priya’s grandmother, who died a year ago, was the only person who knew the real her.

When Priya puts on a bangle that her grandmother left her, she suddenly finds herself incapable of telling a lie. She can’t get the bangle off, so she can’t stop spilling truths—some that mortify her, some that get her into trouble . . . and some that actually change her life for the better. Can she learn to be honest without hurting the people she loves?

Format Your Price Add
979-8-7656-2869-0
$14.99
979-8-7656-5106-3
$24.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 5 - Grade 8
Reading Level Grade 5
Category Diverse Books: #OwnVoices, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2025
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 344
Publication Date 2025-02-04
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV039050, JUV039060, JUV011020
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.25 x 7.5
Guided Reading Level Y
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Reviewed, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Radhika Sanghani

Radhika Sanghani is an award-winning features journalist, an influential body positivity campaigner, and a 2020 BBC Writers Room graduate. She has published several novels for adults and is currently developing her own children’s TV show with BBC Studios and CBBC. She is also a yoga teacher and runs a charity initiative with AgeUK to fight loneliness in older women.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

The Girl Who Couldn't Lie

Priya lies a lot. She tells her friends everything’s fine at home when in reality, her parents argue constantly. She tells her parents everything’s great at school even though Katie Wong’s bullying her. She tells her gymnastics coach she’ll happily do whatever it takes to win the… View available downloads →

Happy Book Birthday: February New Releases

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s packed with exciting new books ready to whisk readers into brand new worlds! Does your library need new graphic Novels, picture books, nonfiction, and fiction? We’ve got you covered! Light the candles, throw the confetti, and… View →

Reviews

Booklist

“Sanghani’s charmed take on radical honesty tackles how damaging family secrets can be and the value of finding your voice.”—Booklist

School Library Journal

“With the humor and pain that accompanies forced truth-telling, this book explores deeper familial, friendship, self-care, and cultural issues in a fun page-turner.”—School Library Journal

Kirkus Reviews

“A delightful emotional journey enhanced with a touch of magic.”—Kirkus Reviews