Forever Is Now

Black queer teen Sadie Dixon confronts police brutality while contending with her own mental health challenges in this lyrically written verse novel by Lockington (For Black Girls Like Me). When Sadie’s girlfriend dumps her, Sadie just barely manages to wrangle her emerging panic attack until, moments later, both teens witness an act of violent racial discrimination on the streets of their Oakland, Calif., hometown. The event triggers Sadie’s anxiety disorder, causing her panic attacks to worsen and leading to her developing agoraphobia, which keeps her inside all summer. Attempting to overcome her fear, Sadie goes live on an activism app called Ruckus, starting a series about mental health and racial justice. When new neighbor Jackson, a Black transracial adoptee, moves in next door and starts watching Sadie’s broadcasts, their burgeoning romance additionally empowers her to reconnect with the outside world while allowing her to cultivate new safe spaces. Lockington steadily builds momentum via Sadie’s sharply rendered and visceral voice, making for a devastating portrayal of—and compassionate look into—one teenager’s struggles to better her mental health situation and her community. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel and Goderich Literary. (May)