Riot Act | Sarah Lariviere

Punk rock meets Orwell's 1984 in this story of a group of theater kids who take on a political regime, perfect for readers who love books by A.S. King and Marie Lu.

In an alternate 1991, the authoritarian US government keeps tabs on everybody and everything. It censors which books can be read, what music can be listened to, and which plays can be performed.

When her best friend is killed by the authorities and her theater teacher disappears without a trace, Gigi decides to organize her fellow Champaign High School thespians to put on a production of Henry VI. But at what cost? 

About the Author

Sarah Lariviere is an author whose debut novel, The Bad Kid (Simon & Schuster), was an Edgar Award finalist. In her new YA series, Riot Act (Knopf, 2024), punk rock meets Orwell’s 1984 when a group of theater kids take on a political regime. "This fast-paced dystopian thriller will get a standing ovation from theater kids and punk rockers alike" (Kirkus). Her novel Time Travel for Love and Profit (Knopf) was reviewed as "reminiscent of A Wrinkle in Time" (Kirkus) and named a YALSA Amazing Audiobook 2022.

Sarah studied theater at Oberlin College and earned a master’s degree in social work from Hunter College in New York City, where she specialized in casework with children and families. Sarah lives in Los Angeles, where she is inspired by experimenting in her wild gardens, painting, and listening to her son play the electric guitar. She is the former Program Director at Arion Press, publisher of fine limited-edition artist books.