You’re Breaking My Heart

Rhuday-Perkovich (Operation Sisterhood) pens a darkly atmospheric love letter to siblinghood in this speculative foray into processing grief, guilt, and shame. Following an argument between 14-year-old Harriet Adu and her older brother Tunde, who are Black, Tunde dies in a school shooting, leaving Harriet with the sharp guilt of having wished his death upon him that same day. Admitting her remorse in Catholic confessionals throughout New York City has yet to resolve any of the lingering shame, and she lashes out at her cousin Nikka and Tunde’s best friend, Luke, who are also Black. Attempting to rekindle their friendship, the trio visit a local pool where Harriet finds catharsis in swimming. But an intrusive, biting voice, coupled with terrifying hallucinations, glimpses of Tunde’s ghost, and an unearthly near-drowning, shatters Harriet’s peaceful release. After she receives cryptic information about a haunted underground world, Harriet realizes that the horrifying events at the pool may be connected. With Nikka and Luke, Harriet ventures into the mysterious realm beneath the city, seeking answers and—hopefully—absolution. Uneven pacing sometimes detracts from the captivating premise. Rhuday-Perkovich nevertheless employs Harriet’s resolute narrative voice to relay the fantastical happenings, as well as her determined steps toward healing, with careful sensitivity and refreshing creativity. Ages 12–up. Agent: Marietta Zacker, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Jan.)

Correction: A previous version of this review misstated two characters' heritage.