Spring 2026

How to Be Normal

  • Interest Level: Grade 8 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 8

Astrid is about to start her last year of high school. And her first.

When her dad loses his job, Astrid’s homeschooling comes to an end. Until now, she has lived within the confines of a tightly controlled, contracted world where there’s no room for anything . . . except following her father’s rules and pretending that everything is normal. As Astrid and her mom tentatively expand their world, they struggle to break free of their ingrained wariness and self-doubt. But with hope, new friends, and the strength of a promise, Astrid has a chance to find out what she wants, whom she loves, and who she really is.

Winner of the inaugural Walker Books Manuscript Prize, this is a brilliantly written YA debut that deftly explores timely issues with insight, humor, and pathos.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-76160-256-6
On pre-order until 04/07/2026
$19.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 8 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 8
Genre Young Adult
Category Diverse Books: LGBTQIA+, Diversity, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2026
Publisher Walker Books Australia
Imprint Walker Books Australia
Language English
Number of Pages 336
Publication Date 2026-04-07
Text Type Fiction
BISACS YAF058170, YAF018060, YAF011000
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5 x 7.75
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Ange Crawford

Ange Crawford is a writer, editor, and PhD candidate living on unceded Wurundjeri land. She writes in many different styles, but her work is often connected by her enduring interests in queerness, art, language, storytelling, place(lessness), and coming of age.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

How to Be Normal

Astrid is about to start her last year of high school. And her first. When her dad loses his job, Astrid’s homeschooling comes to an end. Until now, she has lived within the confines of a tightly controlled, contracted world where there’s no room for… View available downloads →