EVERYTHING WE COULDN'T SAY

Two teenagers face challenges during their senior year at Rhode Island’s prestigious Castle Hill Academy.

At 15, wealthy Orion Mercer’s future in his family’s manufacturing business seems predetermined; British Orion, whose mum is white and father is Nigerian, is expected to follow the path laid out for him, whether he wants it or not. Meanwhile, white-presenting Harper Bennett, who’s never known her father, grew up with her struggling single mom and little half brother. She believes Castle Hill is the key to an elite college and a brighter future. When their paths cross, Harper is immediately smitten by the “exceptionally handsome and witty” Orion, but she knows she doesn’t belong among the “beautiful Richies.” Harper is desperate to win a prestigious science competition with a large cash prize; Orion hopes the entry deadline passes before his parents notice and pressure him about it. As tensions at home rise over Harper’s mom’s drinking, Harper struggles even more with fitting in socially. Meanwhile, Orion rediscovers his passion for piano, and his ADHD grows increasingly difficult to manage. The two keep being pulled back together, offering mutual support through their challenges. This well-crafted, emotionally intense novel told in the leads’ first-person voices doesn’t shy away from complex topics. Scott’s well-rounded characters will draw readers in. This sequel revisits the events of the first book but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.

Cinematic prose thoughtfully highlights hard-hitting challenges.