Friday I'm In Love

It's too late for a Sweet Sixteen; but what if Mahalia had a coming-out party? A love letter to romantic comedies; sweet sixteen blowouts; Black joy; and queer pride. “ A perfect ode to romantic comedies; wrapped in a dazzling rainbow dress.” —Rachael Lippincott; #1 New York Times bestselling author of Five Feet Apart and She Gets the Girl Mahalia Harris wants. She wants a big Sweet Sixteen like her best friend; Naomi. She wants the super-cute new girl Siobhan to like her back. She wants a break from worrying—about money; snide remarks from white classmates; pitying looks from church ladies . . . all of it. Then inspiration strikes: It’s too late for a Sweet Sixteen; but what if she had a coming-out party? A singing; dancing; rainbow-cake-eating celebration of queerness on her own terms. The idea lights a fire beneath her; and soon Mahalia is scrimping and saving; taking on extra hours at her afterschool job; trying on dresses; and awkwardly flirting with Siobhan; all in preparation for the coming out of her dreams. But it’s not long before she’s buried in a mountain of bills; unfinished schoolwork; and enough drama to make her English lit teacher blush. With all the responsibility on her shoulders; will Mahalia’s party be over before it’s even begun? A novel about finding yourself; falling in love; and celebrating what makes you you. “ Mahalia’s story lives; breathes and glows. I’m in love with it every day of the week!” —Becky Albertalli; #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homosapiens Agenda