Frank, sweet, and uplifting.
A North Carolina teen with rheumatoid arthritis and social anxiety confronts changes.
Ever since Ivy Harding’s grandmother died on the day Ivy turned 12, birthdays have been nothing to celebrate—especially not her upcoming 18th. As if the pressure to mark this milestone weren’t enough, she’s been avoiding her best friend: She fears telling Rory about her arthritis, since disclosing her diagnosis ended a previous friendship. But anxiety isn’t the only reason Ivy prefers staying home and creating gluten-free versions of her grandmother’s recipes. Her arthritis is worsening, sapping her energy. When Mom, who has lupus, suggests that Ivy and Caroline, her outgoing older sister who has celiac disease, attend a support group for chronically ill teens, Ivy is reluctant to participate. But she’s drawn to witty, handsome group member Grant, who also has RA. Gradually, Ivy and Grant’s relationship becomes an endearingly supportive romance to swoon for. But when Ivy, encouraged by Grant, discloses her RA to Rory, the unexpected consequences threaten to ruin everything. Candid discussions and vivid descriptions of life with chronic illness will resonate with readers navigating similar circumstances; Ivy’s conflicted feelings about a medication that contraindicates pregnancy are particularly poignant. Ivy’s close-knit family adds warmth, and her grief for her grandmother is touchingly explored. Realistically, not every conflict is neatly resolved, but debut author Eller, who has RA herself, ends on a hopeful note. Most characters read white.
Frank, sweet, and uplifting. (author’s note, resources) (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: July 2, 2024
ISBN: 9780823456215
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
PERSPECTIVES
A classic rags-to-riches romantic comedy with irresistible chemistry and heart.
A surprise inheritance thrusts a small-town Nebraska teen into Manhattan’s elite society—and the orbit of a boy who’s determined to prove she doesn’t belong.
Julia Lowell’s life changes overnight when the 80-something man they know as Lou leaves his fortune to her family instead of his New York City relatives. Lou, who lived in a fishing cabin, was a regular customer of the Lowells’ small grocery store and became a family friend. To inherit, they must live in his Upper West Side home for at least six months, and Julia and her twin brother must attend Gardenwood Academy, a Gossip Girl–esque private school. Julia struggles to navigate her rude, privileged classmates—like Damion Rutledge. Unbeknownst to her, Lou—whose real name was Remington—was Damion’s beloved great-uncle. When a teacher assigns Damion to be Julia’s math tutor, he seizes the opportunity to search Uncle Remi’s house, which he believes is his by right, for evidence of the Lowells’ deceit. But as suspicion gives way to genuine feelings, Julia and Damion, who are cued white, question their assumptions about one another. Painter delivers her signature blend of banter, slow-burn chemistry, and emotionally grounded characters. Told in the leads’ alternating points of view, the familiar enemies-to-lovers setup is complicated by Damion’s secret and Julia’s past heartbreak. While the story follows a predictable path and resolution, the central relationship feels earned and heartfelt.
A classic rags-to-riches romantic comedy with irresistible chemistry and heart. (soundtrack) (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
ISBN: 9798347100217
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Aug. 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away.
A Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart.
Mateo’s life is turned upside down the day U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up unsuccessfully seeking his Pa at his New York City bodega. The Garcias live in fear until the day both parents are picked up; his Pa is taken to jail and his Ma to a detention center. The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year—that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor. Mateo’s relationships with his friends Kimmie and Adam (a potential love interest) also suffer repercussions as he keeps his situation a secret. Kimmie is half Korean (her other half is unspecified) and Adam is Italian American; Mateo feels disconnected from them, less American, and with worries they can’t understand. He talks himself out of choosing a safer course of action, a decision that deepens the story. Mateo’s self-awareness and inner monologue at times make him seem older than 16, and, with significant turmoil in the main plot, some side elements feel underdeveloped. Aleman’s narrative joins the ranks of heart-wrenching stories of migrant families who have been separated.
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-7595-5605-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 22, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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