Look Me in the Eye

A 2025 CBCA NOTABLE BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR OLDER READERS
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 DAVITT YOUNG ADULT AWARD
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 MARGARET AND COLIN RODERICK LITERARY AWARD

running late
drop it off without me
I type drop what off? I don''t know what Mish is talking about.
While I''m typing, another message appears. don''t tell bella
But I am Bella.

Best friends Bella and Connie live on the outskirts of the city in an area that was once full of open fields and paddocks but is changing as the suburbs creep closer. And now there is Mish, Connie''s cousin, who has to be included even though she is unfriendly and unpredictable. The pandemic lockdowns have lifted and the three teens are eager to explore their newfound independence. But with the world opening up, there has been a rise in surveillance, from apps that track their movements to voice recorders and hidden cameras. It feels like everyone is watching them. But when does ''watching'' become ''watching over''?

Do we have a right to know everything about those we love? Look Me in the Eye is a gripping tale of young teens navigating freedom and trust-building, privacy and secrets, in an era of parental surveillance.

''An important novel that rings true to life'' BOOKS+PUBLISHING

''Captivating . . . Readers from middle school age to adults will find this story engaging and enlightening'' READPLUS

Praise for Jane Godwin''s writing:
''Fantastically tense in places, A Walk in the Dark is a great read for all kids ages 11 plus'' Readings
''Refreshingly unpredictable, bold and refuses to minimise the complex lives of [its] characters'' Saturday Age
''This book is a joy to read'' CBCA Judges'' report on When Rain Turns to Snow
''Quality storytelling . . . gripping'' The Australian Women''s Weekly