Whiteout

September 15, 2022
The authors of Blackout (2021) return with a new collaboration. YA stars Clayton, Jackson, Stone, Thomas, Woodfolk, and Yoon's second novel covers the same theme--Black teens falling in love--with two big differences. This story is set not during a sweltering New York City summer but a historic winter storm in Atlanta, and rather than each author's penning a separate chapter focused on one couple, they all worked together on the snowy romance. The authors' note explains why they decided to take on this challenge, with intriguing clues pointing to which author wrote which characters. The characters are all well written and perfectly flawed as they navigate the complexities of love. After conducting experiments on the biochemistry of teenage love for her AP Chemistry project, Stevie posits that love is simply a biological response built into human brains for the survival of our species. Her girlfriend, Sola, feels angry and hurt, and when Stevie is pedantic and arrogant, ruining their coming-out dinner with her Nigerian family, Sola gives Stevie an ultimatum: Stevie must explain what happened at dinner and show Sola that she feels something for her and believe in love--or it's over. With the help of her friends, Stevie hopes the perfect romantic gesture can win Sola back. The scheme is a fun adventure, bringing various couples together. Each relationship has friendship at its foundation, and the different journeys result in something of interest for every reader. Another success. (Fiction. 14-18)

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October 17, 2022
Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon each take the reins writing individual character perspectives in this endearing follow-up to Blackout, a romantic confection set in snow-blown Atlanta. After science buff Stevie presents her girlfriend Sola with her AP Chemistry project—an experiment hypothesizing that love is “simply a biological response... so is it even important?”—and their planned coming-out dinner with Sola’s family subsequently goes awry, Sola issues an ultimatum: if Stevie wants to save their relationship, she has until midnight to prove that she loves Sola. To pull off the biggest romantic gesture possible, Stevie enlists her friends Kaz, E.R., Jordyn, Jimi, Ava, and Mason, who are each navigating their own relationship woes. Set amid a historic snowstorm that tightens the narrative scope, the authors employ physical proximity that encourages the couples to confront their feelings, resulting in myriad playful rom-com scenarios. This upbeat collaboration, brimming with culture-specific references, laugh-out-loud banter, and vulnerable, heartfelt confessions, captures the enchanting spirit of classic holiday romance and enduring Black love. A concluding author’s note gives clues indicating which creator is responsible for which character. Ages 13–up.

October 15, 2022
Grades 9-12 The award-winning authors who made readers fall in love with Blackout (2021) have returned with another cozy romance. Atlanta, Georgia, is preparing for an unexpected snowstorm that threatens to ground planes and shut down roads but cannot stop love. Young scientist Stevie is dumped by her girlfriend after Stevie embarrasses her; with one last shot at forgiveness, Stevie enlists her friends to help pull off an extraordinarily grand gesture of love. While coordinating the declaration in less than ideal circumstances, Stevie's friends also find love along the way. In this charming novel from authors who have become household names, each contribution delves into a different aspect of love. These endearing tales of interfaith relationships, second-chance-love, and the like--crafted by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon--are set against the picturesque backdrop of snowy Atlanta. Encapsulating love, hope, and fresh starts, this wintry story offers something for everyone and will be a must-read all year 'round, but especially on chilly days that call for something heartwarming.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Do you see this author line-up? It made Blackout a NYT best-seller. Don't expect less from this one.

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