In 1959 Virginia, Sarah is one of the first black students to integrate Jefferson High School and deals with severe harassment, including from white daughter of vocal segregationist Linda. The two girls work together on a school project and develop feelings for each other while confronting race, power, and bravery.
Publisher’s Description:
“In 1959 Virginia, the lives of two girls on opposite sides of the battle for civil rights will be changed forever.
Sarah Dunbar is one of the first black students to attend the previously all-white Jefferson High School. An honors student at her old school, she is put into remedial classes, spit on and tormented daily.
Linda Hairston is the daughter of one of the town’s most vocal opponents of school integration. She has been taught all her life that the races should be kept separate but equal.
Forced to work together on a school project, Sarah and Linda must confront harsh truths about race, power and how they really feel about one another.
Boldly realistic and emotionally compelling, Lies We Tell Ourselves is a brave and stunning novel about finding truth amid the lies, and finding your voice even when others are determined to silence it. “
Genre: Historical
Representation:
Gender:
Cis girls: Sarah, Linda
Sexual Orientation:
Sarah and Linda are lesbian/queer/bisexual
Romantic Orientation:
Sarah and Linda are homo/biromantic
Race/Ethnicity:
White: Linda
Black: Sarah
Trigger Warnings:
Racial hate crime
Parental abuse
Additional Notes:
This book centers white feelings and opinions.