The book is propelled by conflicts both internal and external. When her classmate Brian pursues a romantic relationship, Charlie is plagued with-self doubt. Charlie Vega is a fat, glasses-wearing, biracial Puerto Rican with a diet-pushing mother and a beautiful, athletic best friend. Crystal Maldonado has created a much-needed believable protagonist with teenage and adult readers. 'I'm glad there's a wave of YA books with fat protagonists, but the characters often possess a level of self-confidence that's too good to be true. Above and beyond, though, this is a love letter to the bonds of family and culture.' - Tayla Burney, senior content manager Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado 'A crime novel wrapped up in a romance? Just what the doctor ordered for readers during the pandemic! There's a lot to love here, especially the criminal high jinks that Meddelin, her mother and her aunts find themselves immersed in as she rekindles a lost flame. It's hot, it's fun and it's a great chance to brush up on your Spanish vocabulary.' - Lauren Migaki, senior producer, NPR Ed Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. well, let's just say they collaborate on more than a marketing campaign. After a blowout fight, the two don't speak again for years – until the gym that Gabriel owns hires Michelle to work on a rebranding campaign. 'Childhood besties Michelle and Gabriel hook up one night after high school graduation – and for a moment it looks like the two might finally get together until Michelle discovers that Gabe is planning on leaving for college across the country.

As her story unspools, Eve winds up learning a lot about herself and what she's capable of her struggle also helps illuminate how rigid and often misguided the expectations of our family, friends and communities can be.' - Leah Donnella, supervising editor, Code Switch 'Has there ever been a better time to read about a charming, hilarious young woman who just can't seem to get it together? This book follows Eve Brown – a talented cook, phenomenal singer, devoted sister and, at the start of the story, a notorious ne'er-do-well. Act Your Age, Eve Brown: A Novel by Talia Hibbert So here are 13 suggestions from our colleagues and independent critics for what to read if you want a good love story or want to explore themes of love and relationships. With that kind of lengthy list, it can be hard to know exactly where to start. Books Here are the Books We Love: 360+ great 2021 reads recommended by NPRīooks We Love, NPR's list of best reads from 2021, has hundreds of recommendations: 369 of them, to be exact.

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