Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim

Park (Re Jane, for adults) pens an immersive novel about a teenager grappling with academics, family, grief, identity, and racism. High school senior Alejandra Kim is used to feeling like an outsider as a Korean Argentine American scholarship student at affluent Anne Austere Preparatory School in Queens. She and white best friend Laurel dream of attending Whyder, a small, prestigious college in Maine, where Ale believes she’ll be able to leave behind her feelings of otherness and grief surrounding her father’s recent death. Ale plans to fly under the radar for the rest of her senior year, so when Laurel begins circulating a petition calling for the removal of a senior lecturer following his directing a microaggression at Ale, she wants nothing to do with it, certain that pursuing action will jeopardize her future goals. But as the petition gains traction, Ale contends with unwanted attention while navigating complicated relationships with her family, friends, and peers. Told across three parts in a distinctive narrative voice and boasting memorable characterization, this humor-infused tale poignantly captures one teenager’s experience learning to stand up for what she believes in. Ages 12–up. Agent: Sarah Burnes, Gernert Co. (Feb.)