Begin Again

Eighteen-year-old Andie always dreamed of studying psychology at Blue Ridge State, where her go-getter mother, who died seven years ago, pioneered the college’s radio program. After she’s rejected, though, she attends Little Fells Community College while her boyfriend, Connor, heads off to Blue Ridge. When she’s given the opportunity to transfer, she keeps the good news secret from Connor, hoping to surprise him. But upon arriving at Blue Ridge, she learns that Connor has transferred to Little Fells to be near her. Andie’s anxiety at being alone in an unfamiliar place is further complicated by her struggle to maintain a long-distance relationship with Connor, pass a difficult statistics class, and get to know her perpetually sleep-deprived RA, Milo, who inexplicably appears when Andie needs help. Andie jumps at the chance to headline an anonymous advice show at the radio station her mother started, but an emotional mishap jeopardizes her budding collegiate life. Utilizing sparkling humor, familiar romantic tropes, and tidily resolved conflicts, Lord (When You Get the Chance) deftly balances Andie’s challenges with an authentic teen voice, leading to a gratifying romance. Andie, Connor, and Milo cue as white. Ages 12–up. Agent: Janna Bonikowski, Knight Agency. (Jan.)