Purchase to Support Our Program

“Patel’s captivating prose and memorable characters immerse readers in a tense situation. . . . A moving story of the healing powers of unconditional love.”

—Booklist

“Patel has written a book so intense and messy that it may just reflect real life in a way that neither fairy-tale endings nor outright tragedies can do.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Jaya and Rasa are compelling characters in their own right, but when they finally meet, it’s as electrifying as Romeo and Juliet’s first dance. Patel has struck a balance of sensuality and youthful tenderness in their courtship, clearly conveying the difference between healthy and abusive sexual encounters. With an open-ended but hopeful final scene, Jaya and Rasa will appeal to teen readers hungry for more diverse—but still romantic—realistic fiction.”

—BookPage

Jaya and Rasa: A Love Story

Written by Sonia Patel
Published by Cinco Puntos Press

Jaya’s a rich kid. Rasa’s motherless and broke. Opposite sides of the tracks. Romeo and Juliet, on fair Oahu.

Jaya’s 17, a transgender Gujarati outsider who detests wealth, secrets, and privilege, though he has them all. Only thing 16-year-old Rasa has is siblings, plus a mother who controls men like a black-widow spider. Neither one of them has ever known real love or family. Not until their chance meeting one sunny day on a mountain in Hau’ula.

Primary ISBN: 9781941026861
Publication Date: September 2017
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback
Young Adult, Age 13 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Hawai'i)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.

Engagement Materials:

Teacher’s Guide

Source: Lee & Low Books