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“This lyrically written novel is centered around nuanced and deeply lovable characters, and Jaliya is a protagonist who readers will want to grow and change with as she figures out her own path. This story offers no simple answers about the gripping and complicated grief of estrangement, while handling the emotional experience of the characters with care. Fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Ibi Zoboi will find a lot to love in this tender work, and it will likely become an important read for many teens.”

—Booklist, Starred Review

“Rhythmic language renders Jaliya’s candid first-person narration as she perceptively confronts questions of sexuality and cultural identity. The evenly paced narrative provides ample room for readers to empathize and connect with the easy-to-root-for characters, making for a satisfying and introspective offering.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Davis enchants in this coming-of-age novel about a teen girl discovering her roots and herself…A lovely coming-of-age novel of a teen who finds herself while looking for family that will resonate with fans of Ann Liang, Ebony LaDelle, and Lyla Lee.”

—School Library Journal

The Lovers, the Liars, and Me

Written by DeAndra Davis
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Jaliya Powell has never had a real adventure, a real boyfriend, or spoken up for herself. She’s never even been kissed. Despite being valedictorian of her high school class, Jaliya is used to fading into the background.

But this summer will be different.

This summer, Jaliya is visiting her uncle and his family in Jamaica. Under the guise of one last vacation before college, she plans to find out more about her estranged mother, whose absence has remained an unspoken mystery. But things have changed in the seven years since Jaliya last visited. Her cousin has his own life and is reluctant to let Jaliya in, her childhood crush has only gotten hotter and more unavailable, and her aunt and uncle aren’t everything she remembered, either. Then she meets India, who’s vibrant, gorgeous, and free-spirited. And who makes Jaliya feel something she’s never felt before.

While searching for traces of her mother across the island, Jaliya finds herself entangled in complicated relationships, tricky secrets, and a passionate new love. As she navigates this perfectly complicated summer, Jaliya must choose between who she has always been or who she hopes to become.

Primary ISBN: 9781665952682
Publication Date: June 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Young Adult, Age 14 or older

Community Represented:

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

Setting: United States (Florida), Jamaica

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

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

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