You Bet Your Heart

Two charismatic teenagers with magnetic chemistry compete to win the title of valedictorian in this hilarious portrayal of academic angst by debut author Parker. For all four years of high school, senior Sasha Johnson-Sun has forgone dates, house parties, and school dances in pursuit of her goal of becoming the first in her family to attend college. She even spends her free time mentoring middle schoolers with her besties via the teens’ unofficial tutoring club. Sasha knows she’s a shoo-in for valedictorian and the accompanying $30,000 scholarship, until she learns she’s tied with her ex–best friend Ezra Philip Davis-Goldberg, whom she views as unprepared, unmotivated, and undeserving of the honor. To break the tie, Sasha proposes a winner-take-all series of academic challenges in which the loser will purposefully tank their own GPA. As she and Ezra go head-to-head, they’re forced to confront their futures, their relationship, and the reason they fell apart. Though Sasha and Ezra’s blossoming relationship takes center stage, Parker packs this earnest tale with memorable supporting characters whose inclusion models stalwart friendship in the face of one teen’s single-minded pursuits. Sasha is Black and South Korean; Ezra is Black and Jewish. Ages 12–up. Agent: Peter Knapp, Park & Fine Literary and Media. (May)