Two-time Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly (First State of Being) and Coretta Scott King Author Honor winner Kwame Mbalia (Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky) join forces in the wholesome, funny YA rom-com On Again, Awkward Again, about awkward first love and staying true to oneself.
Freshman Pacita "Pacy" Mercado, who's Filipino American, is a Star Trek: Next Generation stan who refuses to assimilate with her "mindless conformist" classmates. Cecil Holloway, who's Black, is a Star Wars diehard with IBS and has a penchant for quirky fashion. Cecil "reject[s] rejection" and wants no part of love, while Pacy thinks crushes are just "romantic propaganda." But it's crush at first sight when Pacy and Cecil meet. When they start to grow closer, however, "the giant hand of fate" appears to yoink away the good, like first kisses that yield head bonks and even an allergic reaction. The whole "romance" thing doesn't seem to be going smoothly, but if they could just "embrace the imperfections," as Cecil's grandfather says, then maybe they'll see that they're actually extensions of each other's "weird little soul."
Kelly and Mbalia's realistic depiction of first love is innocent, sweetly cringey, and comical. The authors perfectly encapsulate the universal experience, showing the excitements and disappointments of young love. Dual first-person perspectives give insight into not only how Cecil and Pacy feel about each other, but also how they're coping with their own issues. Topics such as divorce and insecurity are addressed with care, and the importance of being yourself and not judging others is celebrated. Each character has their quirks, like Pacy's rambling dialogue and Cecil's threats to his stomach, which add dimension and make them lovable. This hilarious, sweet rom-com is a delight. --Lana Barnes, freelance reviewer and proofreader