From the Publisher
"Set in Alberta, this introspective, character-driven story examines heavy topics, including Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, depression, and anti-Blackness, with sensitivity and compassion. This sophomore outing by Michif/Métis and white author Ferguson features lyrical prose that softens the emotionally fraught narrative without sacrificing suspense, resulting in a mystery that subtly builds to a shocking reveal." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Through a well-characterized ensemble cast, Ferguson, who is Michif/Métis and white, addresses the myriad difficult topics facing her characters with sensitivity and care. — Horn Book (starred review)
"[The characters'] actions galvanize their town and expose the racist and toxic underbelly of the most influential people there. This story touches on many contemporary issues as part of their everyday lives and will have broad appeal. A first purchase." — School Library Journal (starred review)
"Via an intersectionally diverse cast, this character-driven story by Ferguson tackles macro-level issues such as anti-Blackness as well as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Individuals alongside familiar teenage troubles surrounding friendship breakups." — Publishers Weekly
"Ferguson's stirring narrative from multiple points of view features a friendship breakup, a manifestation of depression as perfectionism, and racism in the 'corrupt colonial country of Canada.' Achingly stunning prose, 'absolute mischief,' and exhilarating kisses compel a fast read." — Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2023-06-21
Berlin Chambers, a Métis 17-year-old, is stunned when she sees her missing classmate near the popular pizza parlor where she works.
Kiki Cheyanne Sound, who is Black and Cree, disappeared five months ago. Exhausted from her evening shift at Pink Mountain Pizza, Berlin is unsure if she can trust her eyes. Nonetheless, she alerts Cameron Sound, her co-worker and childhood nemesis, who’s deeply affected by his cousin’s disappearance but hides his anxiety beneath a relaxed persona. Rule-following, perfectionist Berlin has always been at odds with Cam, but their shared hope that Kiki is alive, renewed by the sighting, forms a fragile bond between them. Unfortunately, bad news soon follows when it’s announced that the pizza parlor will be sold and franchised. Queer, white Jessie Hampton, the newest teen employee, is upset but unsurprised since the restaurant’s purchase is being conducted by her domineering, sexist father whose expectations she defies by working there. When Berlin, who views the loss of this local, Black-owned business as a betrayal of their community, decides to convince the owner to reverse his decision, Jessie and Cam agree to lend their support. Set in Alberta, this introspective, character-driven story examines heavy topics, including Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, depression, and anti-Blackness, with sensitivity and compassion. This sophomore outing by Michif/Métis and white author Ferguson features lyrical prose that softens the emotionally fraught narrative without sacrificing suspense, resulting in a mystery that subtly builds to a shocking reveal.
Intimate and impactful. (content warning, author’s note) (Fiction. 13-18)
