The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad

Deen (Lark has the Shivers) handily navigates sudden loss and elusive love by blending art, science, and spirituality in this breezy romance. Multiracial (“vanilla-chocolate”) Canadian Altuna “Tuna” Rahsad, 18 and an aspiring screenwriter, relies on signs, omens, and guidance from her Caribbean ancestors to carefully plot out her life. This summer, she plans on using these influences to craft the perfect romance with her crush, Tristan Dangerfield. But Tuna feels that her older brother Robby—who’s still reeling from his husband’s death—is constantly prying into her life and hindering her fledgling relationship. Eager to kick-start their lives again, Tuna, unknown to Robby, creates and manages an online dating profile for him. But when Tuna’s insistence that he move on causes tension in their family, she realizes that her single-minded pursuit of a movie-worthy life might mean forfeiting the things she cares about most. Even when Tuna sheds her meticulous planning, her and Tristan’s romantic chemistry never quite takes off, and Tuna’s perceived lack of empathy for Robby’s emotional needs both proves occasionally vexxing and stalls character growth. Nevertheless, Deen’s strong-willed and decisive supporting cast, their clever banter, and Tuna’s meddling shenanigans provide good humor. Ages 13–up. Agent: Amy Tompkins, Transatlantic Literary. (June)