When I Feel Red

'I feel like I'm always ... last. Like I'm running to try and keep up with everyone but it's no good.'

April has always marched to the beat of her own drum, but would life be easier if she learned to fit in? Now that she's in Year 8, things have got even worse. She's much more likely to be trying to rescue an animal in need than worrying about who's dating who at school, which April just finds BORING. Plus, her lessons feel like they're in a foreign language, and it suddenly seems impossible to make it through the week without landing in detention.

As family worries and classroom romances ramp up, it feels like everyone around her is pulling away - even her best friend Ben. But when the pressure's on, can she find a way to fit in and still be true to herself?

An empowering follow up to When I See Blue about finding your place in the world from the inspiring author and mental health activist, Lily Bailey. Perfect for fans of Elle McNicoll.

'An authentic and tender look at fitting in when you don't and being true to yourself' - A.M. Dassu

'This is a vivid account of being out of step with your peers, not limited to discussions about dyslexia and dyspraxia' - The Guardian

'April is one of the best main characters I've come across and you will root for her with your whole heart' - Jennifer Killick

An authentic and tender look at fitting in when you don't and being true to yourself. A.M. Dassu
This is a vivid account of being out of step with your peers, not limited to discussions about dyslexia and dyspraxia. The Guardian
April is one of the best main characters I've come across and you will root for her with your whole heart. Jennifer Killick
An empowering story...I loved reading this book...the book helps the reader to understand the difficulties that other people may face and that we are not all the same. I would rate this book 5/5 and it is perfect for my age group (I am 11) I would 100% recommend reading it Books Up North
I read Lily's first novel, When I Feel Blue in 2022 and was captivated...it was a delight to see that Lily had written a book about April...When I Feel Red is the perfect book to build anyone's empathy skills...It is a powerful, heart-warming read K & O: Bonkers About Books blog

Lily Bailey is a writer. She first became a journalist in London in 2012, editing a news site and writing features and fashion articles for local publications including the Richmond Magazine and the Kingston Magazine.

As a child and teenager, Lily suffered from severe Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She kept her illness private, until the widespread misunderstanding of the disorder spurred her into action. In 2014 she began campaigning for better awareness and understanding of OCD. Her first book, Because We Are Bad (May 2016), recounts her experience of OCD, and was published in the UK, US, Australia and Germany. In 2019, she was awarded the Illumination Award, which is presented by the IOCDF to media personalities and influencers who have accurately and respectfully represented OCD and related disorders. She continues to write and speak publicly about OCD and mental illness, and blogs for Psychology Today.

Lily grew up in London, she now lives in Kent with her dog Rocky and her partner. She enjoys watching Doctor Who, swimming and playing chess (not very well). Lily usually prefers dogs to people and can ride a tandem bicycle. She is a former model, which she makes up for by being deeply uncool.

April has always been a little bit EXTRA. She feels everything to the max and would rather express herself using pictures over words. More likely to be found drawing and doodling than paying attention in class, April has always struggled with school. Lessons feel like they're in a foreign language making her brain shut down. And it sometimes feels like her classmates come from a different planet, especially now they're all suddenly obsessed with their latest crushes and teeny bopper dramas which April just finds BORING. As lessons continue to perplex her and the detentions build up, April thinks maybe she is doing Year 8 all wrong? She's always been fine doing her own thing, so why does it suddenly feel like everyone around her is pulling away and leaving her behind? Perhaps life would be easier if she just learned to fit in.An empowering follow up to WHEN I SEE BLUE about finding your place in the world.

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