London Life Is Falling Down

A debut novel by Kelly Stadler

Is belonging worth the risk of being known?

Fifteen-year-old Camille Lutton had life in D.C. on lock—academic success, loyal friend, and rising volleyball star. But a sudden family move to London throws her into an intimidating new prep school, turning her into a digital ghost.

While her "forever" friendships back home dissolve into missed calls and fading group chats, Camille feels invisible in her new reality. Isolated and overlooked, she begins retreating behind walls she never thought she'd need.

When a mishap on the Underground opens a door to 1985, Camille finds a temporary refuge. Her time-transcending friendship with Sasha offers a glimpse into a simpler, analog world—but the eighties can't solve Camille's twenty-first-century loneliness.

As Camille navigates the friction of a life in transition, she learns that real belonging requires more than a time-jump or a Wi-Fi signal. It is found in the courage to be seen—fears, flaws, and all. In a city where everything is falling down, Camille must decide if she is willing to confront her insecurities to step into the life she was always meant to live.

Publication Details
On Sale
September 1, 2026
Format
Trade Paperback · 5.5″ × 8.5″
Pages
270
Price
$15.99 US · $21.99 CAN
Paperback ISBN
979-8-234-07213-9
Ebook ISBN
979-8-234-07214-6
Category
YA Contemporary · Ages 12+
Content
Faith-friendly · Clean across all categories
Distribution
Ingram (trade) · Direct (publisher)

Content note for London Life

For parents, librarians, and educators

What's NOT in this book:

  • Profanity

  • Sexual content or romantic content beyond a teenage crush and prolonged eye contact

  • Drug or alcohol use by minors

  • Graphic violence

  • Anti-religious content

  • Mature themes inappropriate for younger teens

What IS in this book:

  • Realistic teen social dynamics, including a brief portrayal of a "mean girl" peer and a "fake friend" pattern

  • A Christian protagonist who prays and attends church

  • Mild references to a near-curse (Amelia stops herself from saying "b—")

  • A frightening but quickly resolved time-travel moment

  • Emotional content including loneliness, missing friends, family adjustment, and finding belonging

  • Themes of identity, friendship, courage, and faith