Throwback

Sixteen-year-old Korean American Samantha Kang must figure out how to return to her own time after a ride-share app inexplicably transports the Gen Z teen to 1995 in this reflective Back to the Future–flavored jaunt by Goo (Somewhere Only We Know). Student politics at Sam’s racially diverse Los Angeles high school are a far cry from what they were when her mother, Priscilla, attended it. Though Priscilla is now a successful lawyer, she spent much of her high school career working long hours at the family dry cleaner while trying to fit in with her popular white classmates. Sam and Priscilla’s differing values cause tension between them, and things become further strained when Sam’s beloved grandmother, Halmoni—with whom Priscilla has a contentious relationship—falls ill. After an emotional blowout with her mom results in Sam downloading a ride-share app called Throwback Rides, the app sends her back to 1995, where she meets teenage Priscilla. Via sharp-witted humor and multidimensional characters, Goo crafts a layered, intergenerational telling of compassion and empathy that, rather than excusing the actions that drove a wedge between Sam and Priscilla, provides context that helps Sam make peace with their relationship. Ages 14–up. Agent: Faye Bender, Book Group. (Apr.)