Friday I'm in Love by Camryn Garrett
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on January 10, 2023
ISBN: 0593435109
Pages: 269
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Instead of a Sweet Sixteen party like her best friend Naomi had, Mahalia wants to throw a coming out party – a chance to tell the whole world at once that she’s queer, proud, and, oh, by the way, is really into the Siobhan, the new girl at school. The problem is, she has to save enough money from her part time job in addition to helping her single mom with bills. Also, well – her mom doesn’t exactly know she’s gay.

Mahalia is a realistic teenager with family responsibilities, financial insecurity, best friend complications, and a desire to be seen and liked for who she is. She deals with discrimination at school, where she is one of the few Black kids, and in her mom’s homophobic church community. In fact, the coming-out conversation with her mother, when she finally has it, is a hard one. Her mother isn’t terrible, exactly – but she’s very clearly distressed and unhappy, leaving Mahalia upset and feeling very alone.

But – this is a rom-com, and eventually, the girl gets the girl, mom is accepting, and things end in a fun and satisfactory way. Teens will enjoy Mahalia’s relatable shortcomings and self-doubts, while rooting for her to succeed. A good addition to shelves, particularly if you are trying to build up inclusivity in your collection. Also, the cover is beautiful and very eye-catching!

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta