When the Stars Lead to You

Filled with passion and conflict, Davis’s debut novel, a modern Romeo and Juliet tale, traces the stormy relationship between a biracial girl, who dreams of being an astrophysicist, and a privileged white boy, who does not share his parents’ values. Devon and Ashton, both 16, meet and fall in love on the beach, but the summer romance ends abruptly when Ashton disappears without saying goodbye. When he reappears a year later at Devon’s prestigious school at the beginning of senior year, she is wary but can’t deny her feelings for him. Soon, the two are a couple again, despite the objections of Ashton’s wealthy, racist parents. Ashton’s chronic depression, though, is an even greater challenge in the teens’ relationship. After learning about his previous suicide attempt, Devon is terrified that Ashton will try again. Although Davis relies too often on clichéd romantic dialogue and Ashton’s parents come off as stereotypes of bigoted elitists, Devon’s emotions and the representation of depression’s symptoms and impact remain genuine. There are no easy answers given here, and an open ending will lead readers to imagine the future that Ashton and Devon might share. Ages 14–up. (Nov.)