Skip to content

When I Feel Red: A powerful story of dyspraxia, identity and finding your place in the world

‘I feel like I’m always … last. Like I’m running to try and keep up with everyone but it’s no good.’

April has always marched to the beat of her own drum, but would life be easier if she learned to fit in? Now that she’s in Year 8, things have got even worse. She’s much more likely to be trying to rescue an animal in need than worrying about who’s dating who at school, which April just finds BORING. Plus, her lessons feel like they’re in a foreign language, and it suddenly seems impossible to make it through the week without landing in detention.

As family worries and classroom romances ramp up, it feels like everyone around her is pulling away – even her best friend Ben. But when the pressure’s on, can she find a way to fit in and still be true to herself?

An empowering follow up to When I See Blue about finding your place in the world from the inspiring author and mental health activist, Lily Bailey. Perfect for fans of Elle McNicoll.

‘An authentic and tender look at fitting in when you don’t and being true to yourself’ – A.M. Dassu
‘This is a vivid account of being out of step with your peers, not limited to discussions about dyslexia and dyspraxia’ – The Guardian
‘April is one of the best main characters I’ve come across and you will root for her with your whole heart’ – Jennifer Killick

*Please download your free activity sheets!

News

Book clubs – Get Ready to Connect!

The Book Club Hub, formerly known as Reading Groups for Everyone, is packed with amazing features to keep you and your fellow readers connected — not just within your club, but with the entire Book Club Hub community. Find out how to have members join your online book club.

Resources

Book Club Hub - Book Club User Guide

The Book Club Hub is a platform connecting readers and book clubs of all ages across the UK. It is managed by national reading charity, The Reading Agency. The Book Club Hub offers book club leaders access to free offers from publishers and prizes in return for reviews, gives them the chance to read the latest books and author news to help them pick their next read, and allows them to download resources to use with their club. Readers can also share reviews of the books they have read and...

News

Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025 Shortlist - What Did Our Book Clubs Think?

Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025 shortlist was announced earlier this year and our six book clubs have been reading, discussing and reviewing the shortlisted titles ahead of the winner announcement on 12 June. Keep reading to find out what they thought.

View our other programmes