A powerful novel in verse set in India that follows a 12-year-old girl as she navigates new beginnings, difficult truths and a crush.

"A story that soars from quite literally the very first page. A book brimming with both humor and heart, Patel’s debut is a remarkable tale of finding oneself among the imperfect rollercoaster of life." —Shifa Safadi Saltagi, National Book Award-winning author of Kareem Between

For twelve-year-old Chandni, 1999 is the year everything must be perfect. And why shouldn’t it be?

Her parents are well-respected doctors in the community, she’s the leader of her friend group, and her crush is even hinting at liking her back. She also has her sights set high on a spot at India’s most prestigious boarding school for girls. If she stays focused and works hard, the dream just may be within reach.

But as the boarding school selection deadline looms closer, Chandni is overwhelmed by a devastating secret that’s threatening to tear her family apart. With life and relationships spiraling around her, Chandni will have to decide between pursuing her ambitions and protecting her family.

Set against the vibrant turn of the millennium in India, this debut middle grade novel in verse is a beautiful and vulnerable story about the seismic events that life throws at us and the love that helps us brave it all.