April’s Heart by Shilah Ferr

The trials and tribulations of high school and heartache take center stage in April’s Heart by Shilah Ferr. An intense look at the repetitive rise and fall of two seemingly star-crossed lovers, this novel will tickle notes of memory for anyone who has had, lost, or managed to hold on to their great love in life. Ferr doesn’t romanticize the tale into something unrealistic – she explores complex emotions with delicacy and grace, without diminishing her characters’ experience. Despite the choppy prose, unembellished language, and occasional reliance on romantic cliches, this is a book with strong lessons for young people dipping their toes into serious relationships, bolstered by an honest authorial voice and characters that skillfully tug at the heartstrings.