From the author of I'd Rather Burn Than Bloom, winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Youth Literature, comes a sharply observed YA novel about friendship, family, and self-discovery, amid a backdrop of a Filipino debut. 
Lucia Cruz may be turning eighteen this year, but she is not the debutante type. Everything about a traditional Filipino debut feels all wrong for her. Besides, custom dictates that eighteen friends attend her for a special ceremony on her birthday, and Lucia only has one friend- Esm? Mares. They've stuck to each other's side all throughout high school, content to be friends with only each other. At least, Lucia thought they were content. 
As it turns out, Esm? wants something different out of her senior year. And, on top of that, Lucia's mom has planned a debutante ball for her birthday behind her back. She'll be forced to cobble together a court of eighteen "friends" before her beloved lola arrives from the Philippines for this blessed occasion. 
How far will Lucia stray from her comfort zone in order to play the role of dutiful daughter and granddaughter? Will she do the unthinkable- participating in a school sponsored activity? Will she discover that her sense of humor can be a way to connect with people, not just push them away?


Author: Shannon C. F. Rogers
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Published: 07/30/2024
Pages: 304
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.82lbs
Size: 8.46h x 5.63w x 1.12d
ISBN: 9781250845733
Age Range: 15-18


Review Citation(s): 
Publishers Weekly 04/29/2024
Booklist 05/15/2024 pg. 44
Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2024
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2024
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2024 pg. 86
About the Author
Shannon C.F. Rogers is a writer of young adult novels, short fiction, and plays. A former editor on Lunch Ticket, her work has appeared in Bodega Magazine and Newfound Journal as well as on stage with Tricklock Company and Lady Luck Productions. She earned her B.A. in creative writing from the University of New Mexico and her MFA in writing for young people at Antioch University Los Angeles. As an educator Shannon has served school communities in Albuquerque, Chicago, and New York City. She is the author of I'd Rather Burn Than Bloom. Shannon is based in Brooklyn, NY.