Whiteout

Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon each take the reins writing individual character perspectives in this endearing follow-up to Blackout, a romantic confection set in snow-blown Atlanta. After science buff Stevie presents her girlfriend Sola with her AP Chemistry project—an experiment hypothesizing that love is “simply a biological response... so is it even important?”—and their planned coming-out dinner with Sola’s family subsequently goes awry, Sola issues an ultimatum: if Stevie wants to save their relationship, she has until midnight to prove that she loves Sola. To pull off the biggest romantic gesture possible, Stevie enlists her friends Kaz, E.R., Jordyn, Jimi, Ava, and Mason, who are each navigating their own relationship woes. Set amid a historic snowstorm that tightens the narrative scope, the authors employ physical proximity that encourages the couples to confront their feelings, resulting in myriad playful rom-com scenarios. This upbeat collaboration, brimming with culture-specific references, laugh-out-loud banter, and vulnerable, heartfelt confessions, captures the enchanting spirit of classic holiday romance and enduring Black love. A concluding author’s note gives clues indicating which creator is responsible for which character. Ages 13–up. (Nov.)