Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Seventeen-year-old Neon is in his girlfriend Aria's bathroom, wracked with anxiety because, for the two of them, "tonight is for our first time." Twenty-four seconds earlier, he was rushing to the bathroom and shutting the door. Twenty-four minutes before that, he arrived at Aria's house. And twenty-four hours before that...and so on. The unusual narrative device drops readers immediately into the action and then zooms out to contextualize the moment, introducing a fully realized, frequently hilarious cast of characters who offer advice on sex and relationships. Neon's mother, for example, who has no reservations about loudly discussing pleasure and masturbation with her son -- in a crowded diner. His grandmother, who, while telling stories about her deceased husband, advises that "a little imperfection takes the edge off things." And his well-intentioned friend Dodie, whose explanation of foreplay includes attention to "what he called the...volvo." Their guidance (aside from Dodie's, naturally) and obvious love for Neon has helped shape him into an attentive and respectful boyfriend; there's no betrayal or big interpersonal conflict here. Instead, this is, in Neon's words, "a special, regular story where two people meet and help each other make something beautiful, at the risk of making a mess." The simple plot is balanced by Neon's narration, which sparkles with rhythm and wordplay. (c) Copyright 2025. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Two high school seniors anticipate a big change in their relationship. Neon Benton and Aria Wright have been a couple for two years. They’re planning to take a huge step in their relationship, and while they have a plan, Neon is battling a serious case of nerves. Fortunately, he’s close to his older sister, Nat, and leans on her for advice. He also finds himself reflecting on the journey that led the two of them to this moment—readers learn of Neon’s close ties with his no-nonsense mother, his affectionate, hardworking dad, and his grandmother (who’s still grieving the death of his grandfather). Aria’s family life is a bit more complicated, since she’s the only nonmusical household member, and her relationship with her mother is somewhat strained. Amid family, school, and yearbook club, moving toward more physical intimacy takes center stage for the Black teens. The fact that Aria will be heading away for college while Neon stays home to earn money for film school is another factor. Setting aside anticipation and apprehension, the couple have a bond that is clearly of paramount importance to them. This rich, tender story captures the range of emotions surrounding emerging love and what they mean in the lives of young people. Neon narrates with clarity, sensitivity, and humor. The wonderfully developed cast of characters (both adults and teens), lively language, and the clever flashbacks contribute to the freshness of the storytelling. A warm, heartfelt, and fully engaging portrayal of teen love.(Romance. 14-18) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.