Under the Neon Lights

By: Arriel Vinson

Narrated by: Angel Pean

In this sparkling and heartfelt debut YA novel in verse by a Reese's Book Club LitUp fellow, a young Black girl discovers first love, self-worth, and the power of a good skate. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Joya Goffney.

Sixteen-year-old Jaelyn Coleman lives for Saturdays at WestSide Roll, the iconic neighborhood roller rink. On these magical nights, Jae can lose herself in the music of DJ Sunny, the smell of nachos from the concession, and the crowd of some of her favorite people—old heads, dance crews, and other regulars like herself. Here, Jae and other Black teens can fully be themselves.

One Saturday, as Jae skates away her worries, she crashes into the cutest boy she’s ever seen. Trey’s dimples, rich brown skin, and warm smile make it impossible for her to be mad at him though. Best of all, he can’t stop finding excuses to be around her. A nice change for once, in contrast with her best friend’s cold distance of late or her estranged father creeping back into her life.

Just as Jae thinks her summer might change for the better, devastating news hits: Westside Roll is shutting down. The gentrification rapidly taking over her predominantly Black Indianapolis neighborhood, filling it with luxury apartments and fancy boutiques, has come for her safe-haven. And this is just one trouble Jae can’t skate away from.

Debut author Arriel Vinson’s lyrical and contemplative story of young Black love and coming of age in Indianapolis ushers in an exciting new voice in YA literature.

©2025 Arriel Vinson (P)2025 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"With characters that feel both familiar and brand new, Under the Neon Lights is a novel about friends, family, and the spaces that let us practice being our freest selves. As poignant as it is heartfelt, this debut is a love letter to the power of community and showing up for one another."—Elizabeth Acevedo, New York Times bestselling author of Clap When You Land

“With exquisite writing that leaps off the page and characters who will steal your heart, Under the Neon Lights is a breath of fresh air, and I loved every minute that I spent in Jaelyn's world. Arriel Vinson has crafted a perfect coming-of-age YA novel.”—Kristina Forest, USA Today bestselling author of Zyla & Kai

“A novel that pulses with love—for community, for family, for the spaces that make us—and sings with every stanza. UNDER THE NEON LIGHTS is a stunning ode to community that I already know I’ll be returning to again and again.”—Leah Johnson, bestselling author of Stonewall Honor book You Should See Me in a Crown

Amazing! Worth a listen.

This is my first novel in verse and it WOW—lyrical, poetic and hard hitting as it faces the violence of gentrification. I started with the ebook but after a sample listen to the narrator, I knew I had to get the audio to experience the full beauty of this story because the narrator does an incredible job.