Lilly
by L. B. Tillit
Survive! That is all that Lilly must do. Spring Break leaves Lilly with no place to sleep and no place to shower. She does not feel safe at home—never has. But telling her friends is not an option. She doesn’t want judgment or pity—she will not feel ashamed of her circumstances or her choices! Surviving hour by hour is nothing new to Lilly. When she finally thinks she has it figured out, her plans fall apart. Torn between relying only on herself or daring to trust others, Lilly begins to lean into those who offer her a lifeline. But how long will it last?
Details
Lexile Level: HL670L
Interest Level: Young Adult
ISBN: 978-1-7352642-6-4
Real Raw & Honest
- Provides insight into teen homelessness and hunger
- Navigates the complexity of building trust
- Addresses the challenges of survival
- Touches on the impact of adult substance abuse
- Underscores the importance of healthy friendships
- Dives into differing perspectives
- Challenges stereotyping
- Discusses the value of resources
- Offers hope
Not Just a Story
“As someone who has lived through the struggles of homelessness and now serves as the Executive Director of a homeless shelter, I found Lilly to be an unflinchingly honest and deeply moving portrayal of life on the margins. The book does not sugarcoat the realities—it captures the raw struggles of instability, the constant uncertainty of where to go next, and the painful shuffling that so many young people endure after foster care.
What struck me most was how authentically the author illustrated the “in-between” spaces that people experiencing homelessness often inhabit—whether it’s bouncing from couch to couch, trying to navigate a fractured system, or being pushed aside by institutions that should offer safety but too often fail. That is a reality I’ve not only witnessed daily in my work but also personally endured.
Yet, amidst the hardship, Lilly highlights something profoundly true: the sense of unity and solidarity that emerges when people are forced to survive together. In the camps, in shelters, or even in moments of shared silence, there is often an organic bond formed out of necessity, resilience, and humanity. That spirit of community—though born from adversity—is something we see every day at The Haven.
This book is not just a story; it is a mirror. It reflects back the experiences of so many individuals whose voices are rarely amplified. It also serves as a call for understanding, compassion, and systemic change. For anyone who wants to truly grasp what homelessness feels like—not as a statistic, but as a lived experience—Lilly is a must-read.”
Emily L. — Executive Director of a Homeless Shelter, NC
The Way I See It Series
Looking for more honest, real stories about teen struggles? Explore the rest of The Way I See It series.
The Way I See It series tells raw, honest stories from different teens facing real challenges. As their worlds fall apart, these teens discover that truth isn’t always clear—and help can come from unexpected places. With diverse voices and tough topics, this series gives a real look at today’s struggles and offers hope for anyone who wants to be understood.
