Estela, Undrowning

In Peña-Govea’s arresting debut, a high school senior determines to make space for herself as she grapples with racism, injustice, and financial precarity. As one of the few Latinx students at her exclusive San Francisco school, 17-year-old Estela feels pressure to excel academically. But her Spanish class—taught by a prejudiced white instructor—could jeopardize all her hard work. Simmering racial tensions escalate when Estela’s non-Latinx classmate enters and wins the “Latiné Heritage Poetry Contest,” inspiring student protests citing the school’s long-standing atmosphere of impeding Black and brown teens’ ability to make safe spaces for themselves. Estela’s stress compounds when her family’s landlord threatens eviction. Simultaneously, she explores a romantic relationship with a fellow student, a bright spot that folds humor into tense plotting. As Estela contends with complex questions regarding love and sexuality, identity, and how to use her voice to enact change, she comes to understand the value of imperfection and growth, realizations perceptively conveyed via empathetic and personable narration as well as nuanced interactions among the intersectionally diverse cast. Estela’s sharp poetry, interspersed throughout, offers intimate glimpses into her shifting thoughts, feelings, and doubts. It’s both a poignant reflection on young adulthood and a joyful celebration of adolescence that challenges stereotypes and engenders hope. Ages 14–up. Agent: Sandra Proudman, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Mar.)