A thoughtful LGBTQ+ YA novel exploring grief, identity, and love with honesty and care.
An Irish teen navigates the weeks after his grandfather’s death while forming an unexpected bond with a deaf South Korean boy in Doyle’s YA novel.
For 16-year-old Owen, the world becomes muffled and remote as his family navigates the aftermath of his artist grandfather’s recent death (“not speaking was easier than stuffing the void with emptiness”). Enter Jun-Ho, a deaf South Korean teenager whom Owen accidentally spills water on while painting in the park. Though their first encounter is less than picturesque, the next time they meet, Jun-Ho asks Owen to draw him. What follows is a slow blossoming of love, connection, and a respite from the all-consuming sadness that has seeped into Owen’s world. Melancholy clings to the narrative like a mist, especially in the early chapters, which are particularly affecting. Owen’s grief makes him hold everything a distance, but Jun-Ho breaks through his self-imposed isolation with ease. (After their second meeting, Own takes ISL classes at the community center to be able to talk to him.) The depiction of their romance sometimes falters—their instant connection is framed as magnetic, but it feels at times more constructed than lived-in. By contrast, Owen’s bond with his best friend, Ryan, hums with authenticity and natural rhythm. The narrative builds upon multiple relationships, serving as a broader meditation on various forms of love and connection—familial, platonic, romantic, communal—and the fragile ways they sustain us. The cast of supporting characters pulse with life and intention, offering texture and contrast. This is a thorough exploration of how, through different types of art and communication, the distance that grief oftentimes creates can be bridged. The pacing is deft; Doyle avoids lingering overlong on Owen’s sadness and rushing through his recovery. Moments of isolation, uncertainty, and quiet connection are given equal space. What emerges is a steady, emotionally grounded story that resonates without feeling forced.
A thoughtful LGBTQ+ YA novel exploring grief, identity, and love with honesty and care.Pub Date: July 22, 2025
ISBN: 9781917539012
Page Count: 360
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Aug. 27, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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
A delightfully autumnal small-town romance buoyed by strong characterization.
Ellis Mitchell has her whole life planned out.
Heading into senior year, Ellis plans to study hard and crush it at the journalism internship her media executive dad got her, paving the way for her acceptance to Columbia University. But then Ellis’ parents announce they’re separating—and that Ellis and her mom will be heading to Bramble Falls to stay with her aunt and cousin. Furious that her careful plans have been upended, Ellis struggles to settle into the small, charming Connecticut town even as everyone around her gears up for the annual Falling Leaves Festival. Ellis runs into Cooper Barnett—her long-ago summer friend from visits to Aunt Naomi and cousin Sloane—who’s grown up to be very handsome. But Cooper isn’t pleased to see Ellis; he’s cold and curt, and she has no idea why. Wilson’s YA debut is chock-full of charm. Readers will swoon at Cooper’s and Ellis’ developing feelings following their frosty reunion and sympathize with Ellis’ difficulties even as Bramble Falls grows on her. She must choose between small-town community ties and big-city ambitions—between what her dad wants for her and what she really wants. Ellis’ relationships with her mom, aunt, and cousin are lovely and aspirational. The depiction of Bramble Falls is evocative, and the book contains enough seasonal delights to satisfy even the most devoted pumpkin spice latte lover. Main characters are cued white.
A delightfully autumnal small-town romance buoyed by strong characterization. (Romance. 13-18)Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2025
ISBN: 9781665975209
Page Count: 352
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: June 13, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2025
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