The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary by Nonieqa Ramos

The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary by Nonieqa Ramos

A 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection

A 2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens

Macy's school officially classifies her as "disturbed," but Macy isn't interested in how others define her. She's got more pressing problems: her mom can't move off the couch, her dad's in prison, her brother's been kidnapped by Child Protective Services, and now her best friend isn't speaking to her. Writing in a dictionary format, Macy explains the world in her own terms--complete with gritty characters and outrageous endeavors. With an honesty that's both hilarious and fearsome, slowly Macy reveals why she acts out, why she can't tell her incarcerated father that her mom's cheating on him, and why her best friend needs protection . . . the kind of protection that involves Macy's machete.

NoNieqa Ramos is a literary activist and educator from the Boogie Down Bronx. The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary, a young adult novel, was written by her. She considers Halloween to be a way of life rather than a celebration. If you're in Virginia, you might see NoNieqa learning to ride a motorbike from her sweetheart Michael or going indie bookshop hopping with her lovely Jandi and Langston. Visit www.nonieqaramos.com or the Latinx collective www.lasmusasbooks.com to learn more about her work.