Dispatches from Parts Unknown

A mourning Minneapolis teen’s final semester of high school takes a surprising turn in this hopeful novel from Bliss (Thoughts & Prayers). Since Julie’s father died three years ago, she’s been engaged in silent conversation with an imaginary version of her dad’s favorite pro wrestler, the Masked Man. Julie and the Man typically spend their free time watching old wrestling matches that her dad recorded, and visiting her best friend Max during his shifts at the mall’s Orange Julius. Then Julie’s teacher, Mr. Wentz, asks her to help plan prom. The committee is mired in conflict, he claims, and needs no-nonsense Julie to cut “through the crap.” A reluctant Julie expects to hate every moment; however, in the process of mediating a weeks-long argument between Catholic school transfer student Briar and skateboarder Leg regarding the suitability of Top Gun as a prom theme, Julie finally starts to heal. The plot lacks complexity and the Masked Man conceit feels haphazardly integrated, but Bliss writes incisively about grief, approaching a weighty topic with empathy, grace, and genial humor. Sweet, caring relationships—parental, platonic, and romantic—add to the uplifting tone. All characters cue as white. Ages 13–up. Agent: Michael Bourret, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (May)