A River I Must Be: A gorgeously written, thoughtful, and powerful exploration of what it means to be different...

— —

Kate Foster

A River I Must Be

Name: A River I Must Be
Price: 18.99 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9781460768372

A gorgeously written, thoughtful, and powerful exploration of what it means to be different...

Kate Foster

$18.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Harper Collins
28 July 2026

Children's & Educational; Poetry (Children's&YA); Personal & social issues: bullying, violence & abuse (Children's&YA); Personal & social issues: disability & special needs (Children's&YA)

A compelling and moving verse novel by award-winning author, Kate Foster, who combines her heart-felt writing with an authentic view of autism and the pressure of masking. And the joy of freeing yourself from that.

Like a river,

I must keep flowing,

finding a way through

if I want to survive.

I will adapt

and fit in at school

no matter the pain this causes me.

I will paint on a mask

and hide my struggles.

I must do more, be more,

or risk spoiling everything.

But can I be strong

like a river?

Rebecca Tapia has started at a prestigious

new school and is overwhelmed by the rules and expectations. With her mum

away, and her dad facing challenges of his own, Rebecca's only way of

surviving is to mask her autism.

A compelling and

moving verse novel by award-winning author Kate Foster, who combines her heartfelt writing with an

authentic view of autism and the daily pressure of masking.

And the joy of freeing yourself from that.

By: Kate Foster
Imprint: Harper Collins
Country of Publication: Australia
ISBN: 9781460768372
ISBN 10: 146076837X
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 28 July 2026
Recommended Age: From 10 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Kate Foster is an award-winning children's author writing about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from a small town in the south east of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via positive approach and representation.