And Other Mistakes

A queer Black girl has something to prove, not to others but to herself, in this "standout novel" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) about navigating messy friendships and even messier family life, perfect for getting ready for back-to-school! Aaliyah's home life has never been great, but she thought she'd survive her last years of high school with at least her friendships and cross-country stardom intact. That is, until junior year struck: she got outed by a church elder and everything came undone — including Aaliyah. Now, senior year is here and she's determined to come back faster and wiser. No more letting other people define her. No more losing herself to their expectations. Except... well, with new friends, old flames, and teammates who don't trust her yet, the route already feels rough. And what's with the new girl, Tessa, who gives Aaliyah butterflies every time she looks at her? It won't be easy but Aaliyah is more than her mistakes. She just has to prove it to herself. This is a work of fiction, but it deals with many real issues, including depression, homophobia, self-harm, alcoholism and abuse from parent, suicidal ideation, and references to non-consensual outing.