JOINED AT THE JOINTS

A North Carolina teen with rheumatoid arthritis and social anxiety confronts changes.

Ever since Ivy Harding’s grandmother died on the day Ivy turned 12, birthdays have been nothing to celebrate—especially not her upcoming 18th. As if the pressure to mark this milestone weren’t enough, she’s been avoiding her best friend: She fears telling Rory about her arthritis, since disclosing her diagnosis ended a previous friendship. But anxiety isn’t the only reason Ivy prefers staying home and creating gluten-free versions of her grandmother’s recipes. Her arthritis is worsening, sapping her energy. When Mom, who has lupus, suggests that Ivy and Caroline, her outgoing older sister who has celiac disease, attend a support group for chronically ill teens, Ivy is reluctant to participate. But she’s drawn to witty, handsome group member Grant, who also has RA. Gradually, Ivy and Grant’s relationship becomes an endearingly supportive romance to swoon for. But when Ivy, encouraged by Grant, discloses her RA to Rory, the unexpected consequences threaten to ruin everything. Candid discussions and vivid descriptions of life with chronic illness will resonate with readers navigating similar circumstances; Ivy’s conflicted feelings about a medication that contraindicates pregnancy are particularly poignant. Ivy’s close-knit family adds warmth, and her grief for her grandmother is touchingly explored. Realistically, not every conflict is neatly resolved, but debut author Eller, who has RA herself, ends on a hopeful note. Most characters read white.

Frank, sweet, and uplifting.