What do you think?
Rate this book
The Truth About Riley
Life can change in an instant …
When Riley's dad dies suddenly, leaving behind a mountain of debt, the life she's used to starts to crumble around her.
Suddenly finding herself homeless, Riley tries to keep up appearances at school, hiding the truth from her lovely but clueless friend Sophie, and spiteful, suspicious Vanessa.
But as strangers step up to help her and her mum, Riley realises that sometimes it is those you least expect who will change your life for the better …
'Sensitive and gripping … kids will love this book and be rooting for Riley from the very first page' Marita Conlon-McKenna
When Riley's dad dies suddenly, leaving behind a mountain of debt, the life she's used to starts to crumble around her.
Suddenly finding herself homeless, Riley tries to keep up appearances at school, hiding the truth from her lovely but clueless friend Sophie, and spiteful, suspicious Vanessa.
But as strangers step up to help her and her mum, Riley realises that sometimes it is those you least expect who will change your life for the better …
'Sensitive and gripping … kids will love this book and be rooting for Riley from the very first page' Marita Conlon-McKenna
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2022
20 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Sinéad Moriarty
31 books497 followersSinéad was born and raised in Dublin where she grew up surrounded by books. Her mother is an author of children’s books. Growing up, Sinead says she was inspired by watching her mother writing at the kitchen table and then being published. From that moment on, her childhood dream was to write a novel.
After university, she went to live in Paris and then London. It was at the age of thirty, while working as a journalist in London that she began to write creatively in her spare time – after work, at lunch times … and, truth be told, during work hours.
After a couple of years toying with ideas, she joined a creative writing group and began to write The Baby Trail. The bitter-sweet comedy of a couple struggling to conceive hit a nerve in publishing circles. It was snapped up by Penguin Publishing in the UK and Ireland and has, to date, been translated into twenty languages.
Since writing The Baby Trail, Sinead has moved back to Dublin where she lives with her husband, two sons and baby girl.
Her second book A Perfect Match has been published worldwide. The US version of A Perfect Match is called The Right Fit. Her third novel – From Here to Maternity – is the third installment of the Emma Hamilton series. Her fourth book – In My Sister’s Shoes – is about two sisters who help save each other. Her fifth book has been published under two different titles: Whose Life Is It Anyway? in Ireland and Keeping it in the Family in the UK.
Her sixth book, Pieces of my Heart, about a family dealing with a terrible crisis, went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her seventh book – Me and My Sisters – went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her most recent novel Mad About You is the fourth novel in the Emma Hamilton Series.
After university, she went to live in Paris and then London. It was at the age of thirty, while working as a journalist in London that she began to write creatively in her spare time – after work, at lunch times … and, truth be told, during work hours.
After a couple of years toying with ideas, she joined a creative writing group and began to write The Baby Trail. The bitter-sweet comedy of a couple struggling to conceive hit a nerve in publishing circles. It was snapped up by Penguin Publishing in the UK and Ireland and has, to date, been translated into twenty languages.
Since writing The Baby Trail, Sinead has moved back to Dublin where she lives with her husband, two sons and baby girl.
Her second book A Perfect Match has been published worldwide. The US version of A Perfect Match is called The Right Fit. Her third novel – From Here to Maternity – is the third installment of the Emma Hamilton series. Her fourth book – In My Sister’s Shoes – is about two sisters who help save each other. Her fifth book has been published under two different titles: Whose Life Is It Anyway? in Ireland and Keeping it in the Family in the UK.
Her sixth book, Pieces of my Heart, about a family dealing with a terrible crisis, went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her seventh book – Me and My Sisters – went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her most recent novel Mad About You is the fourth novel in the Emma Hamilton Series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 15, 2025
4.8 Stars 🌟
This is a moving story that spreads awareness about homelessness and hunger. It is one of those books you can't put down. I would highly recommend it to anyone from age 9 - 16.
This is a moving story that spreads awareness about homelessness and hunger. It is one of those books you can't put down. I would highly recommend it to anyone from age 9 - 16.
January 26, 2025
The Truth About Riley by Sinéad Moriarty is an engaging young adult novel that explores the complexities of identity, family, and relationships through the eyes of a relatable protagonist. The story follows Riley, a teenager grappling with the hard realities of poverty and going from rags to riches whilst trying to keep the truth about her new situation from her friends as she navigates her primary school years.
Her father has just died leaving them immersed in debt. They lose their home and their only option while her mum finds a job is to sleep in the car. Riley, trying to pretend life is as normal as ever, finds friendships and generosity in the most unexpected people. There is a hateful, spoilt character Vanessa who is horrible and mean to Riley.
Moriarty does a wonderful job capturing the emotions and struggles of adolescence, and poverty, making Riley's journey feel both authentic and impactful. The pacing is steady, while the emotional depth of the characters allows for a more meaningful connection to the story.
The relationships Riley has with her friends and the new ones she develops are central to the narrative. The author handles these dynamics with sensitivity while touching on themes like trust, forgiveness, personal growth and realising what is important in life. Riley’s voice is honest and compelling, and her internal conflicts are portrayed in a way that will resonate with young readers, particularly those who may feel like they’re still figuring out life, where they belong and how to deal with hardship.
Overall, The Truth About Riley is a heartfelt and thought-provoking book that will appeal to fans of realistic YA fiction. It's a beautiful exploration of self-discovery, friendship, and honesty, understanding that sometimes life can change in the blink of an eye and that the hardest thing is learning to accept and deal with it as best we can. A solid four-star read for those seeking an emotional, character-driven story.
Her father has just died leaving them immersed in debt. They lose their home and their only option while her mum finds a job is to sleep in the car. Riley, trying to pretend life is as normal as ever, finds friendships and generosity in the most unexpected people. There is a hateful, spoilt character Vanessa who is horrible and mean to Riley.
Moriarty does a wonderful job capturing the emotions and struggles of adolescence, and poverty, making Riley's journey feel both authentic and impactful. The pacing is steady, while the emotional depth of the characters allows for a more meaningful connection to the story.
The relationships Riley has with her friends and the new ones she develops are central to the narrative. The author handles these dynamics with sensitivity while touching on themes like trust, forgiveness, personal growth and realising what is important in life. Riley’s voice is honest and compelling, and her internal conflicts are portrayed in a way that will resonate with young readers, particularly those who may feel like they’re still figuring out life, where they belong and how to deal with hardship.
Overall, The Truth About Riley is a heartfelt and thought-provoking book that will appeal to fans of realistic YA fiction. It's a beautiful exploration of self-discovery, friendship, and honesty, understanding that sometimes life can change in the blink of an eye and that the hardest thing is learning to accept and deal with it as best we can. A solid four-star read for those seeking an emotional, character-driven story.
December 2, 2023
One of my favourites I've read this year! Moriarty is fast becoming one of my favourite authors - three of my favourites I've read in 2023 (one of which is my favourite of this year) are her books! This book was a beautifully written account of homelessness told from the perspective of a 12 year old girl and really opened my eyes to what people are going through right now.
And even though the book was a tearjerker in many places, there were also light hearted moments to balance it all out, mostly with Sophie's older brothers.
All of the characters were great - Grace and Zoe were a little one dimensional, but it was a short book and they didn't really play a huge part so that wasn't a problem. Vanessa was a typical mean girl, I think we've all met someone like Vanessa in our lives. Sophie was great and so was her mum, and Maja was a powerful female character - and Florence was a great misunderstood character. And Oleg - Oleg has my HEART.
This is definitely one that I'll read again at some point in the future. I LOVED IT.
Also, the letters at the end... I was so emotional!
And even though the book was a tearjerker in many places, there were also light hearted moments to balance it all out, mostly with Sophie's older brothers.
All of the characters were great - Grace and Zoe were a little one dimensional, but it was a short book and they didn't really play a huge part so that wasn't a problem. Vanessa was a typical mean girl, I think we've all met someone like Vanessa in our lives. Sophie was great and so was her mum, and Maja was a powerful female character - and Florence was a great misunderstood character. And Oleg - Oleg has my HEART.
This is definitely one that I'll read again at some point in the future. I LOVED IT.
Also, the letters at the end... I was so emotional!
July 21, 2024
Honestly The Truth About Riley deserves 5 stars solely due to the very accurate impact and pov of homeless through a 12 year old girl’s eyes. It was poignant, stark and beautifully written from start to finish. I felt for Riley and her mam’s plight as they faced losing their home and starting over again. The weight on Riley’s shoulders as she worried about where they were going to sleep each night, how they were going to get food, even wash themselves or clean their clothes.
Many an adult should read this book to truly understand how real a problem homelessness is for families and now they’re just trying to survive every day and make a better life for themselves. Excellent and quick read.
Many an adult should read this book to truly understand how real a problem homelessness is for families and now they’re just trying to survive every day and make a better life for themselves. Excellent and quick read.
July 19, 2024
The ending of this book is literally one of the best I have ever read. I was absolutely bawling.
The characters were amazing. Maja and Oleg had me cracking up every time they spoke to each other. Vanessa... don't get me started on that rotten, gossipy, stuck-up, snooty, spoiled brat. Sophie is such a good character, and Riley was an awesome MC.
The characters were amazing. Maja and Oleg had me cracking up every time they spoke to each other. Vanessa... don't get me started on that rotten, gossipy, stuck-up, snooty, spoiled brat. Sophie is such a good character, and Riley was an awesome MC.
March 29, 2025
About as subtle as an elephant blowing its nose. Was the author out the day "show don't tell" was taught in primary school creative writing? Th characters were bland and one dimensional, and the mother's refusal to ask for help was plain ridiculous. The only reason i didn't DNF it after the first chapter was because i had to read it for book club.
May 4, 2023
Didn't realise when I requested this book from the library that it was a young adult book. I requested it as I loke this author. A well written story a a young girl and her mother who fall on hard times. It went on to show the good and bad in people. An enjoyable and quick read.
July 27, 2025
I simply couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting from cover to cover. My only regret is that I can't read it for the first time again. Beautifully written from the perspective of a child. I smiled and I cried. Fantastic.
October 18, 2022
A very good read. It opens your eyes to the horrific reality of homelessness for children.
January 2, 2023
Brilliant x
May 22, 2023
Really good. Looks more innocent on the cover than it actually is. Made me really think about what other people might be going through.
July 21, 2023
I couldn't stop reading! It was so sad and so good at the same time.😥😀
February 26, 2024
Beautiful book
February 15, 2025
4.8 Stars 🌟
This is a moving story that spreads awareness about homelessness and hunger. It is one of those books you can't put down. I would highly recommend it to anyone from age 9 - 16.
This is a moving story that spreads awareness about homelessness and hunger. It is one of those books you can't put down. I would highly recommend it to anyone from age 9 - 16.
September 26, 2022
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this little story about Riley, a young girl who is dealing with the aftermath of the death of her father. Riley discovers her Dad has left behind a mountain of death, and her and her mother lose their home.
Riley goes from the comfort of a privileged life - private school, parties with her wealthy friends - to sleeping in their car. She tries to hide her new situation from her friends, but the truth has a way of coming out.
This book is a sensitively-told tale of homelessness, grief, family and friendship. It's heartbreaking but also sweet and thought-provoking, and is perfect for readers between the ages of 9 to 13.
I really enjoyed this little story about Riley, a young girl who is dealing with the aftermath of the death of her father. Riley discovers her Dad has left behind a mountain of death, and her and her mother lose their home.
Riley goes from the comfort of a privileged life - private school, parties with her wealthy friends - to sleeping in their car. She tries to hide her new situation from her friends, but the truth has a way of coming out.
This book is a sensitively-told tale of homelessness, grief, family and friendship. It's heartbreaking but also sweet and thought-provoking, and is perfect for readers between the ages of 9 to 13.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews