An emotional and heartfelt story about growing up and finding connection in the public eye.
A clumsy stumble and an elaborate charade spark a journey of self-discovery, healing, and unexpected romance—and lead to a golden opportunity.
After placing fifth in the TV talent show Stars of America at 13, Bangladeshi American pop sensation Sumaira “Summer” Ali rose to fame under the strict control of her parents, who were also her managers. The narrative follows 18-year-old Summer after she fires her emotionally abusive parents and then collides (literally) with 19-year-old Persian American film star Juyan “Jules” Moradi in front of paparazzi. To change rising star Jules’ promiscuous reputation—and boost Summer’s career in the process—his PR team suggests that the pair pretend to be in a committed relationship. The novel explores how their contrived relationship evolves and deepens as they navigate being regarded as public property while grappling with their own complex personal issues. The endearing central characters represent diverse racial and sexual identities, and their conversations propel the story, infusing serious topics with humor. This heartfelt coming-of-age story delves into myriad societal issues; Summer’s exploring her sexuality, her best friend is queer, and Jules grapples with racial identity, self-doubt, and accusations of being part of a “diversity quota.” Bhuiyan tackles challenging issues from a relatable teenage perspective while maintaining an overall light tone. Newspaperlike headlines used as chapter headings cleverly nod to tabloid sensationalism.
An emotional and heartfelt story about growing up and finding connection in the public eye. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 3, 2025
ISBN: 9781335013927
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
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
Black is building a complex mythology; now is a great time to tune in.
Black is back with another dark tale of Faerie, this one set in Faerie and launching a new trilogy.
Jude—broken, rebuilt, fueled by anger and a sense of powerlessness—has never recovered from watching her adoptive Faerie father murder her parents. Human Jude (whose brown hair curls and whose skin color is never described) both hates and loves Madoc, whose murderous nature is true to his Faerie self and who in his way loves her. Brought up among the Gentry, Jude has never felt at ease, but after a decade, Faerie has become her home despite the constant peril. Black’s latest looks at nature and nurture and spins a tale of court intrigue, bloodshed, and a truly messed-up relationship that might be the saving of Jude and the titular prince, who, like Jude, has been shaped by the cruelties of others. Fierce and observant Jude is utterly unaware of the currents that swirl around her. She fights, plots, even murders enemies, but she must also navigate her relationship with her complex family (human, Faerie, and mixed). This is a heady blend of Faerie lore, high fantasy, and high school drama, dripping with description that brings the dangerous but tempting world of Faerie to life.
Black is building a complex mythology; now is a great time to tune in. (Fantasy. 14-adult)Pub Date: Jan. 2, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-316-31027-7
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Sept. 25, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2017
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