
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with their sense of belonging, particularly if they are navigating the complexities of queer identity or multiracial heritage. This deeply emotional novel follows the reunion of two former best friends, Santi and Suwa, as they navigate the fallout of a shared past and the creative spark of the present. It is a story about the transformative power of art and the courage it takes to be truly seen by others. Suitable for ages 14 and up, it offers a sophisticated look at how 'chosen family' provides the safety net young people need to explore their true selves. Parents will appreciate its honest, nuanced portrayal of mental health and the importance of restorative forgiveness.
Themes of abandonment, loneliness, and past trauma.
This novel includes discussions of past cyberbullying and online harassment. There are depictions of grief and emotional trauma related to family abandonment and parental estrangement. The book also features underage drinking and drug use at parties, as well as a scene involving a physical altercation/fight.
A 16 year old artist or musician who feels like an outsider in their current environment and is looking for a story that validates the intensity of online friendships and the importance of finding a community that celebrates their full identity.
This book can generally be read cold, but parents may want to preview the middle chapters that detail the history of Suwa’s online harassment to prepare for discussions about digital safety and emotional resilience. A parent might reach for this book when their teenager expresses feelings of isolation after a move, or when the teen is struggling to navigate the social complexities and potential toxicity of digital spaces and internet fame.
Younger teens will focus on the romantic tension and the excitement of the music scene. Older teens will resonate more deeply with the nuanced exploration of trauma, the complexities of forgiveness, and the transition into adult autonomy.
Unlike many coming of age stories that treat internet culture as a secondary plot point, this book centers the digital experience as a legitimate and profound site of connection and heartbreak, blending it seamlessly with a vibrant, sensory rich portrayal of the LA creative scene.
Santi moves to Los Angeles for his senior year and joins a marching band, only to find himself face to face with Suwa, his former internet best friend who disappeared years ago. As the two reconcile and navigate their burgeoning feelings, they must confront the hurt caused by their initial separation and the pressure of their creative ambitions. The story explores the intersection of music, online culture, and the formation of a 'chosen family' within the local art and queer scenes.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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