First published 2009
Trina thinks she brightens everyone's day with her art and personality. She moves through her New York City high school convinced she brings beauty to those around her. Dominique sits on the basketball bench because her grades dropped too low to play. When Trina says something that cuts deep, Dominique makes a decision. After school, she will jump Trina and beat her down. Trina walks through her day with no clue what's coming. Leticia overhears Dominique's plan. She cares more about her phone and gossip than schoolwork, but now she holds the power to prevent violence. She could warn Trina or talk Dominique down. The question becomes whether Leticia will step into someone else's fight. All three girls navigate the same building, the same day, moving toward a moment that will change them.
Genres: fiction, african-american, contemporary, adolescence
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: New York City
Period: 21st-century
192 pages · Kindle Edition · Quill Tree Books
Content warnings: violence