Lucy Clark Will Not Apologize

Rabb (Cures for Heartbreak) pens a metropolitan adventure centering white, Jewish 16-year-old Lucy Clark, who has spent the past four years in an Austin, Tex., boarding school—ever since her beloved Nana, who raised her, died from a stroke, and Lucy’s neglectful, constantly traveling parents enrolled her. Now, suspended “after the Incident” and sent to New York City for an internship, Lucy’s official job is assisting eccentric, elderly, “stylish without trying” Edith Fox, also white and Jewish. Initially, Lucy is apprehensive, but she soon falls under the city’s spell, simultaneously charmed by Edith’s vitality, history, and passion for gardening. There’s just one problem: Edith claims that someone is trying to murder her, and Lucy must follow the clues and crack the case before it’s too late. Lucy’s snarky narration moves the plot along, as does the compelling cast, including her Jewish-Salvadorean best friend Dyna; her half-Chinese, half-white New York City neighbor Jack Zuo, 19; and Edith herself. Lucy’s concurrent journey toward seeking love and belonging after Nana’s passing and Dyna’s departure from school proves rewarding in this engaging narrative about accepting oneself and defending one’s choices. Ages 14–up. [em](May) [/em]