Love Letters for Joy

Seventeen-year-old Joy Corvi, who has cerebral palsy and identifies as being within the asexual umbrella, is adamant about becoming the first disabled valedictorian at Manhattan’s Caldwell Preparatory Academy; the only thing between her and her goal is rival Nathaniel Wright. She also feels that she has bigger things to worry about than relationships, until her friends and classmates begin pairing off, brought together by an anonymous student known as Caldwell Cupid. Suddenly feeling that she’s missed out on something important, Joy writes to Caldwell Cupid for advice (“Is there a formula for romance?”). Their correspondence starts out innocuous enough, but the more they talk, the deeper Joy falls for the mysterious matchmaking entity. Alongside moments of budding romance, Joy contends with worries about her future. Through a pleasant combination of text message chains and email exchanges, See (You, Me, and Our Heartstrings) organically develops a lighthearted courtship that tackles themes of queer identity and highlights one teen’s experience living with a disability. Chapters alternating between Joy’s vulnerable narration and the enigmatic Caldwell Cupid add playful suspense leading up to Cupid’s reveal. Joy and Nathaniel read as white. Ages 12–up. Agent: Emily Forney, BookEnds Literary. (June)