What If It Wasn't My Fault

What If It Wasn't My Faulticon

by Katy Farber

Publisher
Rootstock Publishing
Publication
Mar 28, 2026
Format
Paperback/Softback
Illustrated
No
Price
$16.99
Dimensions
5 x 8
ISBN
978-1578692354
ASIN
B0GHMZG4B4
Pages
239
Age
13 - 17 years
Category
Fiction

Rights Sold

🌍 World Wide Rights Available

Description

Seventeen-year-old soccer star Indie Watson loves her team and her family. At home, she is the glue—the one who holds her family together. But when Indie wakes up sore and foggy after a party, unsure of exactly what happened, she knows one thing: she didn’t consent.

As her classmates post about her on social media, assigning judgment and blame, she falls into a spiral of self doubt and denial and can’t hold it all together anymore. Instead of facing the truth, she runs away. It is through music, memory, and the kindness of strangers that Indie learns to face what happened, and to redefine who she is now: a survivor who won’t be silenced.

From the author of the middle grade novel The Order of the Trees and the adult novel The Board, What If It Wasn’t My Fault is a #metoo young adult novel in verse about friendship, feminism, and finding your voice.

Awards & Endorsements

Diana Whitney, author of Girl Trouble

“Katy Farber’s What If It Wasn’t My Fault is a blazing act of courage. I read it with my heart in my throat, captivated by 17-year-old Indie and her transformation from a ‘ghost girl’ trying to be ‘everything/ everyone wants’ to a ‘survivor-warrior’ speaking out for justice. Farber has crafted an urgent account of the aftermath of sexual violence in a small town, where sports are worshipped, girls are expected to be ‘perfect little dolls,’ and those who speak the truth about assault are accused of seeking attention. Told in verse both tender and fiercely embodied, the novel weaves a page-turning narrative with moments of lyrical beauty. In the tradition of Laurie Halse Anderson and Chanel Miller, What If It Wasn’t My Fault refuses shame and invisibility and affirms the healing power of sharing your story. An essential read for survivors and those who love them– and for all teens who need to know they are not alone.”


Midwest Book Review
“Original, deftly crafted, and memorable…Katy Farber touches directly on a very real problem and possibility facing young women today…"What If It Wasn't My Fault" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as high school and community library Social Issue themed YA Fiction collections for ages 15 to 18 and older.” 

5-Stars from Readers’ Favorite 

“The narrative favors a clearcut message of female solidarity…this work offers a solid primer on the topic of sexual assault for a YA audience. An accessible and ultimately hopeful tale that explores one girl’s resonant response to trauma.”

Author(s)

Katy Farber

Katy Farber

Katy Farber is an Assistant Professor of Education at Saint Michael’s College with 20+ years of public education experience. Prolific author across YA, children’s, and adult genres, she holds an Ed.D. from Northeastern University. Her work focuses on empowering teachers, parents, and students through personalized, authentic learning, action research, and environmental and health advocacy.

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