A delightful YA debut about finding love even when your family and traditions prioritize security over chemistry is on the way to library shelves.
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The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim
Zahra Khan is basically Bangladeshi royalty, but being a princess doesn’t pay the bills in Paterson, New Jersey. While Zahra’s plans for financial security this summer involve working long hours at Chai Ho and saving up for college writing courses, Amma is convinced that all Zahra needs is a “good match,” Jane Austen style.
Enter Harun Emon, who’s wealthy, devastatingly handsome, and…aloof. As soon as Zahra meets him, she knows it’s a bad match. It’s nothing like the connection she has with Nayim Aktar, the new dishwasher at the tea shop, who just gets Zahra in a way no one has before. So, when Zahra finds out that Harun is just as uninterested in this match as she is, they decide to slowly sabotage their parents’ plans. And for once in Zahra’s life, she can have her rossomalai and eat it too: “dating” Harun and keeping Amma happy while catching real feelings for Nayim.
But life—and boys—can be more complicated than Zahra realizes. With her feelings all mixed up, Zahra discovers that sometimes being a good Bengali kid can be a royal pain.
What’s New This Month
Also on the way is a compelling new poetry collection for teens, and new books from authors like Amelie Wen Zhao, Maureen Johnson, Talia Hibbert, Tracey Andreen, and more.
Trending for Teens
Long awaited and long asked for by Sacramento readers, the U.S. printing of Alice Oseman’s novella
Nick and Charlie, featuring the lead characters from her popular
Heartstopper series, is finally on the way. Revisit the series, and make sure to check out these readalikes next:
What We’re Reading
Here are some quotes from library staff about the books in the newest list of recommended picks:
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki: “Frederica’s dating the most popular girl in school. But Laura Dean leads her on, doesn't show up for her and cheats on her, and Freddy keeps going back. It's heartbreaking, but her journey is very relatable.”
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang: “Three related short stories all dealing with being Chinese-American in the U.S. and dealing with racism. The contrast between the deceptively simple, appealing art and the serious of the subject matter adds a lot to the impact.”
Our Dreams at Dusk by Yuhki Kamatani: “GORGEOUS art – the magical realism elements of the story allow for some beautiful surreal imagery as well. Depicts a range of experiences and some of the most nuance/complexity re: LGBTQ+ characters/issues that I’ve seen in manga! The characters feel really authentic to me, and there are some pretty raw moments.”
For more lists of recommended reads from the book world and beyond.