I Am Out With Lanterns

Glorious writing and brilliant characters you won’t want to leave behind

Cath Crowley

Emily Gale displays immense skill in weaving so many perspectives into a rich, effortless read ... Unapologetically feminist and utterly timely, this book will jump up the to-read lists of contemporary YA fans, and sits particularly well alongside such recent gems as Take Three Girls.

Jordi Kerr, Books + Publishing

These are characters that feel so real and familiar that as a reader you can’t help reflecting that they could be your friends, family or neighbours . . . This is OzYA at its best!

Natalie Platten, readings.com.au

It was beautifully written, the characters were incredibly well developed, it was a fast paced read with plenty of conflict, yet with a hopeful resolution.

alwaysandforeverreading.wordpress.com

I honestly can’t even begin to explain how perfect I Am Out With Lanterns is . . . What I loved most about I Am Out With Lanterns is how much of an accurate portrayal of teen life it is. We get to see it all—the quotidian, the shocking, the heart-wrenchingly beautiful—and that was what made this novel the spectacular read that it was . . . This is a book you need in your life.

writtenwordworlds.com

One of the most relatable books that I have ever come across . . . I got so sucked in that my heart was literally attached to this book . . . I love it.

Girlfriend IGTV

I Am Out with Lanterns is a great story for young teens and adults that will tug at your heart.

thebookishkirra.wordpress.com

Emily Gale's ability to create such believable and intriguing characters that make you sad to leave them is astonishing.

Sue Warren, losangzopa.wordpress.com

I Am Out with Lanterns explores contemporary themes of interest to lower and middle secondary students with authenticity and insight.

Nola Allen, Magpies

The theme of looking for oneself is richly woven through this stunning novel, along with themes of identity, friendships, family, diversity, multiculturalism and privilege. Multiple point of view novels can take time to settle into but in I Am Out With Lanterns, Gale had me emotionally invested in her characters and the narrative from the get-go. I silently cheered on Milo from start to finish, but each flawed and fabulous character was engaging and relatable, even those you were really probably meant to somewhat dislike. There is nothing better than a bunch of complex characters pulling you into their lives and allowing you, the reader, to walk in their shoes for a time.

Megan Daley, childrensbooksdaily.com

Wow, did I love this book . . . Told from multiple points of view by a host of damn-interesting characters with a mess-full of problems, it explores Australian culture and the toxic norms around sexuality and sexism. I dare you to walk away from this book without questioning those norms and feeling that something has to change. But, what’s also remarkable is that at the same time you will feel uplifted and a strong sense of hope.

Renee Mihulka, Reading Time