UNDER ALL THE LIGHTS

A teen musician’s life changes overnight when his original song goes viral on YouTube.

When the “Indigenous indie pop rock artist” Jesse Jacobs reposts his video, Ollie, a Canadian boy who has Algerian, Libyan, and French ancestry, is swept into a meeting with music executives who offer him a record deal and a spot on Jesse’s upcoming tour. Touring would mean missing most of senior year, but the advance could help support Ollie’s family after his father’s job loss. Other hurdles include Ollie’s anxiety disorder and the deeply personal inspiration behind his viral song. Ollie’s close friends and girlfriend, Aisha, encourage him to follow the opportunity and help him embrace his bisexuality, which he hasn’t yet widely disclosed. Ollie, who’s nearly 18, is devoted to Aisha, but he can’t deny his attraction to 19-year-old Jesse as they bond on the road. Jesse and Ollie’s backstage banter offers nuanced discussions of identity, vulnerability, and the pressures of fame. Ollie manages his anxiety with a realistic combination of medication, therapy, and meditation. The novel includes a steamy, slow-burn romance and multidimensional characters while deftly tackling tough topics. Featuring familiar faces from Ameyaw’s debut, When It All Syncs Up (2023), Ollie’s story stands alone. Jesse belongs to the Squamish Nation, and Ollie’s group of friends is realistically diverse in race, sexuality, and gender identity.

From behind the scenes to center stage, readers will cheer for a young man as he explores authenticity through music.