Okay Girl

De: Kelis Rowe

From the author of Finding Jupiter comes a powerful new novel about love, self-esteem, and mental health. Reeling from unresolved family trauma and a viral heartbreak, a Black teen is thrust onto an unexpected journey of self-discovery, healing, and first love.

Sixteen-year-old Skye is an expert at pretending to be okay. Haunted by her uncle’s attempted suicide, she has survived by putting on a fake smile—for her parents, her therapist, her friends, and her seemingly perfect boyfriend, Malik. Once she’s crowned Southern Belle at prom, Skye hopes she can leave the past behind her.

But then a viral video at prom exposes her boyfriend’s betrayal in front of everyone. Humiliated, Skye cuts off her trademark long hair and tries to reinvent herself amid rumors, gossip, and a mysterious online saboteur.

Besides the writings of Sylvia Plath, her one unexpected constant is Ace, the quiet new boy with a past of his own, who truly sees her. As their connection deepens, Skye must decide whether she’s finally ready to stop pretending and confront what she’s been hiding from.

Okay Girl is a powerful and moving novel that sensitively explores one Black teen’s journey toward love and healing after trauma. The back of the book features an afterword about mental health support and resources from child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Nakia Scott.