Eighteen Roses
by Shannon C.F. Rogers
High School    Feiwel    304 pp.
7/24    9781250845733    $20.99
e-book ed.  9781250845740    $11.99

Seventeen-year-old Lucia Cruz loves the consistency of her daily routine. During a trip to San Diego for her cousin’s debut—a traditional Filipino coming-of-age party in which Luz has no interest—her world is turned on its head. Her best friend, Esme, reveals her discontent with their customary patterns, and Luz finds out that her mom has been planning her debut, complete with an Eighteen Roses ceremony, behind her back. She returns home to contend with the possibility of trying new things, connecting with classmates besides Esme, and cobbling together an extravagant birthday celebration. Throughout Luz’s last year of high school, Rogers sheds light on the overwhelming nature of self-discovery as well as the messiness of conflict between friends and of complicated families (Luz and her younger sister begrudgingly split their time between their Filipina mom and white dad, who is remarried to a younger, ­now-pregnant Filipina woman). Many of the protagonist’s critical observations are based on fear and anxiety and, as it turns out, can be transformed into humor. Despite feeling abandoned by Esme, Luz manages to develop connections with classmates through a stand-up comedy club. And with the power of TikTok, she puts together a unique ­Eighteen Roses ceremony that fits her personality and style. While she often feels powerless, Luz’s courage allows her to build unexpected connections, self-confidence, and community.

From the ">September/October 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.