ONE KISS

The kiss was inappropriate, exciting, and confusing, but it’s not what went viral.

Best friends since kindergarten, Maya Delaney and Plum Kenner are both 16 and daughters of single moms. Plum’s dad, Ross, is a world-famous rock star; Maya’s most definitely isn’t that glamorous. Maya has rarely seen her father since he left when she was 12, and Ross occasionally flies Plum to visit him in Berlin. When his band arrives in Toronto to record an album, Ross tells Plum to bring Maya along to dinners with his entourage on successive nights. It’s a heady experience—the fans lining the sidewalk, phones out, angling for a glimpse of Ross. Maya enjoys the lavish restaurant setting, abundant prosecco, and Ross’ flattering attention until, when he’s seeing her home in his limo, he kisses her. Initially thrilled, then alarmed, Maya draws back but lets him walk her to her door and steady her when she trips. When a photo capturing that moment of contact circulates on social media before she can explain to Plum, Maya feels desperate. Is Ross a predator or merely irresponsible? Sorting out what happened, how she feels, and what to do will take time. The straightforward syntax, compelling topic, and appealing, relatable characters make this a strong choice for reluctant readers. Maya and Ross present white, and a reference to Plum’s Indonesian grandmother cues her as biracial.

A compact, accessible, and timely conversation starter.