The Redemption of Daya Keane

Ages 13 And Up, Grades 8 And Up

The lyrical, insightful prose of We Are Okay meets the witty and irreverent voice of The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School in this heartfelt queer coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a small town’s evangelical megachurch culture.

It’s Daya Keane’s junior year, and nothing is as she expected.First, her mother has started attending Grace Redeemer, the popular megachurch in town. Boasting concert-worthy light shows, an amazing live band—and a pastor who’s all about loving thy neighbor, as long as thy neighbor “gets right with God” first. And second, Daya talks to Beckett Wild at a party neither of them were meant to be at.Beckett is Daya's longtime crush, the one she’s been pining after for years. She’s smart, cute, artistic…and the apparent poster girl for Grace Redeemer’s popular youth program. As Daya’s best friends, Stella and B’Rad, are quick to point out, someone like Beckett wouldn’t be remotely interested in returning her feelings.Except maybe she is. Except maybe she does.Daya’s never felt the need to have “normal” high school experiences. But she never expected to fall this hard for someone, either. Now Daya has to decide how far she’s willing to surrender to Beckett’s world of Grace Redeemer, and who she’s willing to become to be with her.A fearless and profound tale ideal for readers of Jeff Zentner and Jennifer Dugan, The Redemption of Daya Keane gives an intimate and unforgettable look into a world that demands to be seen.

About the Author

Gia Gordon is a Texas-based author, youth activist, and former educator. She’s cofounder of the nonprofit Never Counted Out, which provides books to classrooms and community programs. When she’s not writing, Gia can be found at home with her partner and two kitties, out thrifting, or turning no-longer-wanted household goods into beautifully painted designs at Salvage Art. The Redemption of Daya Keane is her debut novel, and you can find her at giagordonwrites.com.