Two YA novels create well-rounded portraits of Black characters coming of age

Today's episode covers two YA novels centered around Black youth and the portrayals they receive – or don't – in coming-of-age literature. First, NPR's Andrew Limbong speaks with Talia Hibbert about her new romantic comedy, Highly Suspicious And Unfairly Cute , which follows an unapologetically nerdy heroine reconciling with the ex-best friend jock that ditched her. Then, NPR's Ayesha Rascoe gets to talking with author Nick Brooks about his new mystery, Promise Boys , which revolves around how a group of Black students are blamed for the murder of their prestigious school's principal. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy