My Name is Layla

2021 Moonbeam Award, Gold Winner, Pre-Teen Fiction

"Layla’s struggles at school and home are authentically depicted, and readers who face their own challenges will relate." -School Library Journal

• An inspiring middle grade novel about self-acceptance, resilience, and empathy
• Short fiction for tweens and teens dealing with dyslexia, learning differences, and any challenge of growing up
• A coming of age story featuring a dyslexic 8th grader that belongs in every middle school library

School will never be the same.

On the first day of eighth grade, thirteen year-old Layla has a pretty good idea of what’s in store for her–another year of awkward social situations, mediocre grades, and teachers who praise her good behavior but find her academic performance disappointing. Layla feels certain she’s capable of more, but each time she tries to read or write, the words on the page dance and spin, changing partners and leaving her to sit on the sidelines.

This year will be different in ways Layla could never have predicted. Her new English teacher, Mr. McCarthy, senses her potential. When he pushes her to succeed, Layla almost rises to the challenge before making a desperate choice that nearly costs her everything she’s gained. Will she be able to get back on track? And who can she count on to help her?

PRAISE FOR MY NAME IS LAYLA

“I read My Name is Layla in one sitting, mainly because Layla grabbed my heart on the first page and wouldn’t let go. This story perfectly captures the complexity of one 8th grade girl's life — a very real family dynamic, a perfectly drawn academic challenge and the intense nature of friendship. It’s that rare novel that is highly satisfying but leaves you hoping for more.” —ANNABEL MONAGHAN, AUTHOR OF A GIRL NAMED DIGIT AND DOUBLE DIGIT

“Hurray for Layla! Warm and insightful, My Name is Layla speaks to the value of friendship, the need for caring teachers, and the power of family love — no matter how imperfect that family might be. Layla’s struggles will strike a chord with young readers who face their own challenges, and every reader will root for Layla, a girl who only needs a little help to recognize how special she really is.”—DIANA HARMON ASHER, AUTHOR OF SIDETRACKED AND UPSTAGED

"Reyna Gentin's book realistically and inspirationally captures the emotions of teenagers with learning differences, from their quiet frustrations to their ultimate triumphs. A great read for young people who need to know there is a way forward!"— CLAY KAUFMAN, HEAD OF SCHOOL, THE CEDAR SCHOOL, A HIGH SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS WITH LANGUAGE-BASED LEARNING DIFFERENCES

"Author Reyna Marder Gentin captures the frustration and charged emotions of an intelligent, likable teenage girl coping with dyslexia." — DEBORAH ANDERS, THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER

Teachers, Parents:

Free download of the Discussion Guide (meets Common Core Standards) available at https://bit.ly/LaylaDiscussion

REYNA MARDER GENTIN lives with her husband and children in Westchester County, New York. Reyna s first novel, Unreasonable Doubts, a romantic legal thriller inspired by her work as a public defender, was a finalist in the Women s Fiction Writers Association Star Award for debut fiction and you can find it at bit.ly/UnreasonableDoubts. Reyna studies at The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College and her short stories and personal essays have been published widely online and in print. You can find out more by visiting reynamardergentin.com. If you d like to arrange a visit to your school, please contact me at reyna@reynamardergentin.com.