Overview

Clap When You Land meets On the Come Up in this heart-gripping story about navigating first love and overcoming grief through the power of music.Aarón Medrano has been haunted by the onstage persona of his favorite DJ ever since his mother passed away. He seems to know all of Aarón's deepest fears, like that his brain doesn't work the way it should and that's why his brother and father seem to be pushing him away. He thinks his ticket out is a scholarship to the prestigious Acadia School of Music. That is, if he can avoid blowing his audition.Mia Villanueva has a haunting of her own and it's the only family heirloom her parents left her: doubt. It's the reason she can't overcome her stage fright or believe that her music is worth making. Even though her trumpet teacher tells her she has a gift, she's not sure if she'll ever figure out how to use it or if she's even deserving of it in the first place.When Aarón and Mia cross paths, Aarón sees a chance to get close to the girl he's had a crush on for years and to finally feel connected to someone since losing his mother. Mia sees a chance to hold herself accountable by making them both face their fears, and hopefully make their dreams come true. But soon they'll realize there's something much scarier than getting up on stage--falling in love with a broken heart.

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9781668609910

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Reviews

"Lush imagery celebrates Mexican culture and depicts how food can bring people -together. . . . not to be missed.-- ""School Library Journal"" Students will enjoy the food descriptions and community culture that lend the story a sense of authenticity and believability.-- ""School Library Connection"" Wonderfully realized characters, a vibrant setting, and so much more. I loved this.-- ""Melina Marchetta, award-winning author of Jellicoe Road"" *Kemp's novel serves up finely rendered, stirring character arcs...as well as an intimate portrait of two teens grappling with mental health, complicated family relationships, and newfound love. --Publishers Weekly, starred review A bold new voice to watch in children's fiction. --Eric Smith, author of Don't Read the Comments An affecting, timely debut....Add it to your 2021 TBR list immediately. --Liz Lawson, author of The Lucky Ones Kemp's precise writing flows from Pen's perspective to Xander's effortlessly, even while revealing their individual lives....Recommended for readers who enjoy strong stories about found families, expectations, and food. --Booklist Like the delicious food and decadent desserts described within its pages, Kemp's debut explores the often bitter and sweet complexity of family, new love, and what it means to find home. --Mia Garc�a, author of The Resolutions Pen and Xander will steal your heart. One to savor. --Laura Taylor Namey, New York Times bestselling author of A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow Pen and Xander's unforgettable love story refuses to sugarcoat difficult topics, but instead deftly explores them with a thoughtful hand. A cathartic read and new favorite author. --Nina Moreno, author of Don't Date Rosa Santos"

Lush imagery celebrates Mexican culture and depicts how food can bring people -together. . . . not to be missed.-- School Library Journal Students will enjoy the food descriptions and community culture that lend the story a sense of authenticity and believability.-- School Library Connection Wonderfully realized characters, a vibrant setting, and so much more. I loved this.-- Melina Marchetta, award-winning author of Jellicoe Road *Kemp's novel serves up finely rendered, stirring character arcs...as well as an intimate portrait of two teens grappling with mental health, complicated family relationships, and newfound love. --Publishers Weekly, starred review A bold new voice to watch in children's fiction. --Eric Smith, author of Don't Read the Comments An affecting, timely debut....Add it to your 2021 TBR list immediately. --Liz Lawson, author of The Lucky Ones Kemp's precise writing flows from Pen's perspective to Xander's effortlessly, even while revealing their individual lives....Recommended for readers who enjoy strong stories about found families, expectations, and food. --Booklist Like the delicious food and decadent desserts described within its pages, Kemp's debut explores the often bitter and sweet complexity of family, new love, and what it means to find home. --Mia Garcia, author of The Resolutions Pen and Xander will steal your heart. One to savor. --Laura Taylor Namey, New York Times bestselling author of A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow Pen and Xander's unforgettable love story refuses to sugarcoat difficult topics, but instead deftly explores them with a thoughtful hand. A cathartic read and new favorite author. --Nina Moreno, author of Don't Date Rosa Santos

Author Information

Laekan Zea Kemp is a writer living in Austin, Texas. Her work celebrates Chicanx grit, resilience, creativity, and joy while exploring themes of identity and mental health.

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