An Evening with Ellen Hagan and David Flores
A Discussion and Workshop On Their YA Book, Tell Me Every Lie
Saturday, November 15, 2025
4:00 PM 5:00 PM
Blue Heron Books
High Falls, NY
Tell Me Every Lie is a young adult contemporary romance that begins with a web of lies and deception, set against the backdrop of a summer at a luxury resort. John Paul Reyes, mourning his father's death and seeking escape from the expectations placed on him, adopts a new persona—JP Abrigo—hoping to find solace in a new identity. Mia Malik, working tirelessly to save money for her dreams of attending a prestigious art program, is dared by a coworker to make a guest fall for her, leading her to cross paths with JP. As their week of deception unfolds, they discover more about themselves and each other than they bargained for—revealing truths that challenge their perceptions and deepen their connection. With themes of honesty, identity, and the pursuit of dreams, this layered story explores whether love can survive beneath the lies we tell ourselves and others
Ellen Hagan is a writer, performer, and educator whose work spans poetry, young adult novels, and essays. Her poetry collections include Hemisphere and Crowned, and she has co-authored YA books such as Watch Us Rise. She directs Poetry & Theatre programs at the DreamYard Project and teaches in the MFA program at Spalding University. A proud Kentucky native, she lives in New York City with her family.
David Flores is an illustrator and author known for his vibrant and expressive artwork in children's and young adult literature. He has collaborated on several acclaimed picture books and graphic novels and is recognized for highlighting stories of cultural identity and social justice through his art.
"A simmering romance in which two recent high school graduates at an elite resort endeavor to reinvent themselves by telling lies—and maybe fall in love. The protagonists remain sympathetic amid their mutual deceit, while the cozy plot builds to a compassionate, mature, and surprising resolution." — Publishers Weekly
"A sweet, whirlwind summer romance... Fans of summer romances will enjoy this one." — Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal
"A moving, layered young adult novel in two voices about finding truth in the lies we tell ourselves." — Goodreads