Be Real, Macy Weaver

Lakita Wilson

Jul 2022 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Arischa Conner

About this audiobook

A humorous, heartfelt, and fashion-filled contemporary novel about Macy Weaver, a young girl struggling with how to be her true self and make a best friend. Perfect for fans of From the Desk of Zoe Washington and Stand Up, Yumi Chung.

Eleven-year-old Macy Weaver knows relationships are complicated. Fresh off her latest friendship breakup, she’s spent most of her summer break on her own. So when Macy’s mother decides to go back to college three states away, Macy jumps on the chance to move—anything for a fresh start.

But Macy’s new home isn’t exactly what she expected. Her mother’s never around and her dad’s always working. Lonelier than ever, Macy sets her sights on finding a new best friend. When she meets Brynn, who’s smart and kind and already seems to have her whole life figured out—down to her future as a high fashion model—Macy knows she’s it. The only problem is that Brynn already has a BFF and, as everyone knows, you can only have one.

Resorting to old habits, Macy turns one small lie into a whole new life—full of fantastic fashion and haute couture—but it isn't long before everything really falls apart. Ultimately, Macy must determine how to make things right and be true to herself—rather than chasing after the person she thinks she’s supposed to be.

Ratings and reviews

All Macy wants is a BFF. Her efforts to attract the girls at school flop just before summer, but instead of spending a lonely break on her own, the Weaver family moves to Baltimore. A new school, and a new opportunity to make a true friend. But after setting her sights on Brynn, Macy quickly finds herself living a lie that continues to twist and tangle her into all kinds of trouble. A beautiful story about finding your passion, navigating life's many anxieties, bravely making things right, and finding friendship. There's an emotional honesty here that shines bright through all the drama. I would highly recommend for kids who love fashion and complicated people.

Amazing! Listened to it during my car rides. Loved the story, character relationships, and character development.

About the author

Lakita Wilson is an MFA student at Vermont College of Fine Arts studying Writing for Children and Young Adults. Her middle grade manuscript won the 2017 SCBWI On-the-Verge Emerging Voices Award. On Instagram, you can find her posting about black culture on her account @welovedthe90s, which has over 72K followers, and promoting diverse children’s literature on her account @lakitareads, which has over 25K followers. Lakita lives in Maryland with her two children and Shih-Tzu.