The 2026 Read for Empathy collection has just dropped and guess whose YA debut has made the cut…. 
For the past decade, Read for Empathy has been bringing together books that help young people connect with themselves, each other, and the wider world, because through diverse characters and situations, books encourage children and young people to empathise, understand and experience lives beyond their own.
This year’s collection has been curated by librarians, booksellers, teachers and academics who champion diverse, meaningful stories….and I’m so honoured and grateful that these experts have seen something special in Odd Girl Out and have included it in this year’s list 
A huge congratulations to everyone who has been included!
A huge congratulations to everyone who has been included! Stories changed my life growing up, and if Odd Girl Out helps even one reader feel seen, understood, or less alone – then Alhamdulillah, I’ve done what I set out to do. 
If you’d like to explore the full Read for Empathy collection,