
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the aftermath of loss or feeling like an outsider who cannot find their rhythm. It is a perfect selection for the teen who uses music as an emotional anchor or for those navigating the complex transition of finding oneself after a period of deep sadness. The story follows two girls, Toni and Olivia, who meet at a massive three-day music festival. Toni is processing the death of her father while Olivia is recovering from repeated heartbreak and a sense of social displacement. Their connection is a catalyst for healing and self-discovery. This contemporary YA novel explores grief, queer identity, and the power of community in a way that feels urgent and modern. Parents might choose this for its hopeful message that even in the darkest times, joy and connection are possible. It is most appropriate for ages 13 and up due to some mature language and the weight of the emotional themes.
A panic-inducing event occurs at the music festival.
Includes queer romance and kissing.
Focuses on the grieving process after the death of a parent.
Death of a parent (grief), panic attacks, and a brief but intense sequence involving a possible threat at the festival that causes a public panic.
A 14 to 17 year old who feels like they are living in the shadow of a loss or who feels like their romantic heart is too big for the world around them. It is for the teen who finds their identity in a pair of headphones.
This book can be read cold, but parents may want to be aware of the intense grief-driven panic attacks Toni experiences. The pacing of the final act is fast and high-stakes, which might be intense for sensitive readers. A parent might hear their child say, "I don't know who I am anymore since [loved one] died," or notice their teen withdrawing from hobbies they used to love.
Younger teens (13-14) will focus on the blossoming romance and the excitement of the festival setting. Older teens (16-18) will likely connect more deeply with the existential questions regarding grief and the pressure of deciding who to become after high school.
Unlike many stories that focus on trauma, this book centers on Black queer joy, the communal magic of music, and the permission to be soft and romantic while navigating grief.
Set over three days at the Farmland Music and Arts Festival, the story follows two girls, Toni and Olivia. Toni is mourning her father, a former roadie, and struggles to reconnect with music without him. Olivia is a romantic looking for a place where she finally fits in after a series of heartbreaks. Their lives intersect at the festival, leading to a romance that helps them both confront their past hurts and find their future voices.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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