Maisy Hayes Is Not For Sale is a fiercely insightful
coming-of-age novel by Allayne L Webster. It delves into the judgement teens
face and the price tag labelled upon their worth.
Maisy Hayes feels like the
background character of her life. Never the prettiest, the smartest, or the
coolest in the room. Never with the newest phone, most expensive shoes, or
designer bag. Her special treat only ever came in the form of a dollar slushie
from the mall.
Maisy faces a situation no
teen, let alone adult, wants to encounter. The Hayes family is deep in
financial trouble, struggling to make ends meet.
With Maisy’s absent father
lurking in the back of her mind, she is determined to make a future for
herself. She’s not sure what yet — though she is positive she wants anything but
a life like her mum’s.
She dreams of having enough
money not to live paycheck to paycheck. To buy things without thinking of the
cost.
Maisy is soon to find out her father is off living overseas with his
‘perfect’ new family — the one he left her for. She expects nothing less, though
an unwelcome cloud of disappointment sinks to the bottom of her stomach as it
always does, adding to the pile growing heavy beneath her.
Between the financial hardship
Maisy is confronted with, and her sister’s heart problem, she has given up on
her dream of a ‘normal’ teenage life. When her father reaches out and insists
that they come over, it is everything she has ever hoped for. The rich, lavish
life she has always aspired to reach. Although she initially enjoys being
showered with expensive gifts and luxurious purchases, she quickly finds that
something feels off. It is up to her to question her morals and discover what
she truly wants.
This novel delves into the
struggle of hardship and the difficulty in coping with frustration. It explores
individual identity and standing up for what you believe in. Webster
strategically constructs this message throughout the novel, guiding readers to
reflect on their values and what is important to them.
It is a truly unforgettable
read.
Highly recommended.
Title: Maisy Hayes is Not For Sale
Author: Allayne L Webster
Publisher: Text Publishing, $22.99
Publication Date: 2 September 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781923058545
For ages: 12 -16
Type: Young Adult
