NOT ABOUT A BOY

A 17-year-old Black foster kid struggles with mental health, loss, and recovery from addiction.

Thanks to Laurelle Child Services, an upscale adoption agency, Amélie “Melie” Cœur has received one final foster placement before she ages out of the system. She’s moved from Connecticut to live in Manhattan with a successful white couple in their late 30s: Sue Romano, a famous stylist, and her attorney husband, Dave, a former foster kid. Unbeknownst to her new private school friends, Melie is grieving the sudden death of Darren, her codependent first love and guide into the world of substance abuse. That trauma is the reason behind Melie’s willingness to sneak charming basketball player Hayden (a rich Black classmate) into the apartment for late-night hookups but not agree to the actual relationship he wants. Melie’s life begins to spiral even more when she unexpectedly discovers through social media that she has an identical twin sister, Brie, who lives in Brooklyn. Even though the girls were separated at age 5, Melie doesn’t have any memories of her twin; Melie is definitely not doing all right. This debut is a gritty teen drama full of mature themes that unfurl in compassionate ways and will resonate with many readers. Hollis also imbues the text with moments of joy, witty banter, and supportive found-family bonding, for example, through Mel’s exemplary, steadfast Connecticut besties, Rena and Cal.

Heartbreaking and powerful.