The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things

In a departure from her supernatural and postapocalyptic YA fiction, Aguirre (the Razorland trilogy) introduces 16-year-old Sage Czinski, also known as “Princess Post-it” for her habit of leaving encouraging notes on the lockers of classmates having a bad day. What Sage’s fellow students don’t know is that her upbeat attitude doesn’t come easy—it takes conscious effort to push down memories of a harrowing childhood that includes an event too awful to think about or name, even now that she’s living safely with her aunt. Absent a best friend after finding out that platonic pal Ryan hasn’t been totally honest with her, Sage is intrigued by new student Shane. He has his own difficult past, and Aguirre does an excellent job of showing two wounded teens growing closer. Sage’s secret eventually comes out, but when it turns out that she and Shane can survive this and other difficulties, things begin to look surprisingly hopeful. Aguirre offers a satisfying romance while eloquently conveying a message about facing the truth and not giving up on oneself or others. Ages 12–up. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency. (Apr.)