I read Being Amani, Annabelle Steele’s debut YA novel, in two sittings, after being in a reading slump for weeks!

Being Amani is a tender and moving novel in which female protagonist Amani is trying to find her own happiness after she and her mother leave her abusive father behind in London and move in with her grandad in Manchester. Just as she thinks life has settled down, people from her past make a reappearance and Amani’s friendships suffer as she struggles to confide in them about her worries. The novel explores mental health issues, domestic violence, and other issues faced by many young women today such as consent. The novel was easy to read and flowed beautifully.

Amani is instantly likeable and you will find yourself rooting for her the entire way.