Buried Feelings

Rosewater (All’s Fair in Love and Field Hockey) draws upon San Francisco’s queer history to fuel a high-stakes citywide treasure hunt that gives way to a propulsive friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance. The summer before her sophomore year, Ivy and her then-bestie Cam spent the season scouring the city for clues about a hidden treasure hinted at in a mysterious book once owned by Cam’s late uncle. Ivy also came out to Cam as a lesbian; though she expected Cam to be supportive and understanding, Cam instead ended their friendship. In the two years following their estrangement, Cam came out as transgender and Ivy found a place to belong among her fellow yearbook editors. After Ivy uncovers a forgotten clue from her and Cam’s treasure hunt, she resolves to pick up where it left off—without Cam. When Cam catches wind, he attempts to race Ivy to the hunt’s conclusion, igniting a parallel adventure that disrupts the protagonists’ stubborn grudges, unearths buried feelings, and sparks within both a new appreciation for their hometown. Ivy’s cheeky and inviting POV expertly relays immersive discussions about queer history and intimate relationship dynamics, while jaunty pacing heightens the thrill of treasure hunting hijinks. The result is a deliciously fun romp about the necessity of friendship and the power of belonging. Ages 12–up. Agent: Lauren Spieller, Folio Jr. (July)