Forever Is Now

Ages 12 to 18

From rising star author Mariama J. Lockington comes a powerful young adult debut novel in verse about police brutality, mental health, and finding your safe space in an unforgiving world.

I'm safe here.

That's how Sadie feels in her girlfriend's arms on a perfect Summer day. But then her girlfriend suddenly breaks up with Sadie. Moments later, she witnesses a scene of police brutality, which upends what now feels like a mirage of security.

I'm not safe anywhere.

That's how Sadie feels every day after. So she retreats to her house. Her therapist gives her suffocating isolation a name—agoraphobia. Meanwhile, Sadie's best friend Evan updates her on the protests taking place outside. Sadie wants to be a part of it. But she can't. Or can she?

I can build a safe place inside myself.

This is what Sadie learns over the course of one life-changing summer, with some help from her family, her friends, an online platform for activists, and the swoon-worthy new boy who moved in next door.

About the Author

Mariama J. Lockington is an adoptee, writer, and nonprofit educator. She has been telling stories and making her own books since the second grade, when she wore short-alls and flower leggings every day to school. She is the author of For Black Girls Like Me, her middle-grade debut, as well as a poetry chapbook The Lucky Daughter. Mariama holds a Masters in Education from Lesley University and Masters in Fine Arts in Poetry from San Francisco State University. She lives in Kentucky with her partner and dapple haired dachshund, Henry.