We Are Mayhem

Beck Rourke-Mooney grew up outside Providence and has worked as clambake staff, a donut finisher, a ballot counting machine tester, a telemarketer, and most importantly, a middle school English teacher. When not writing contemporary YA novels, they procrasti-bake, write songs, and watch (depending on who you ask) either way too much or just enough television, including, of course, wrestling. She lives in upstate New York.

"Rourke-Mooney's snarky yet heartwarming prose propels the story and reveals Birdie's inner struggles with body image, gender, and physical strength; the result is a captivating and offbeat debut that explores wrestling, gender nonconformity, femme friendships, and finding one's bliss and true self."
-PW

"Fans of GLOW and WWE will catch familiar names, but readers who don't care about wrestling shouldn't dismiss this highly entertaining, knockout debut packed with vivid characters, fun wordplay, and the perfect amount of heart."--Booklist, starred review

"Thisdebut, similar to Jennifer Mathieu's Moxie, is a fun bear-hug about self-acceptance and embracing the weird and the messy...The joyful friendships and fresh perspective make a great read for wrestling enthusiasts and newcomers alike."
-BCCB

"The short chapters feature visceral, detailed language and laugh-out-loud-funny dialogue....Birdie's coming out as nonbinary (she/they) is sweet, is lovingly received by friends and family, and provides an important reflection for teens everywhere who are struggling with big questions around gender identity...A wild, weird, and fun romp."
-Kirkus

"In this kinetic coming-of-age dramedy, the romance is all about finding your passion and inventing a bold new version of yourself -- in and out of the wrestling ring. Birdie's transformation from awkward outsider to badass star is filled with all the drama and fun of sports competition, makeovers, mean girls and sexist old-timers, but it's also infused with real poignancy and insight."
-Alisa Kwitney, author of Cadaver & Queen

"Rourke-Mooney beautifully captures the exhilaration of finding your true self - wherever, whoever you are; no matter what others expect you to be. Birdie is the protagonist for the ages you'll want to keep cheering for in this tables-turning, world-rocking story of heels and faces, kayfabe and reality, and outsiders and the way in." -Jen Doll, author of Unclaimed Baggage

"In