Lock and Key

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the bestselling author of The Truth About Forever, comes a heartwarming story of a young girl who has to learn how to unlock her heart and embrace her future.

“All the Dessen trademarks here”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Dessen’s best since This Lullaby. It will captivate all readers.”—VOYA, highlighted review

Ruby is used to taking care of herself.

But now that she’s living with her sister, she’s got her own room, she’s going to a good school, and her future looks bright.

Plus there’s the adorable boy next door.

Can Ruby learn to open her heart and let him in?

BUY THE BOOK

Published May 14, 2009

448 pages

Average rating: 7.9

51 RATINGS

|

Community Reviews

Cjfranc
Nov 25, 2025
8/10 stars
I felt like I could relate to Ruby not only in the way she feels about her mom but the relationship with her sister also. I really enjoyed this book because of that!
Lea F
Oct 27, 2024
8/10 stars
Great.
SarahSmiles2400
Sep 14, 2024
8/10 stars
One of my first books that got me into reading, might be a good book if any parents are tying to get their daughters in middleschool or highschool to have a pique interest into reading.
CarrieReadsBooks
Jun 12, 2024
10/10 stars
This was the first book I read by Sarah Dessen and I loved it. Since then I have been trying to read all of her books. She is a good author for teenagers, girls in general but guys also.
brookelolhi915
Mar 28, 2022
7/10 stars
really long and detailed, but it was good. main character- ruby, 422 pages

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.