St. Jude, Jen. Where You’ll Find Us. Bloomsbury, 06/2026. 384pp. Fiction. Trade $20.99. 978-1-5476-1140-9. GRADES 9–12. OUTSTANDING.
Cal is graduating from their all-girls school with their beautiful and talented lesbian girlfriend Ramona by their side; she’s even set up a free, crowdfunded ride for Cal to join her at an all-girls college after Cal’s parents disowned them for being trans. But Cal isn’t out to anyone else as trans, including Ramona, until a storm brings them to Amaranth, where other queer and trans teens from different eras of the twentieth century live in a magical, time-stopped cottage where nothing heals, nothing grows, and time expands to give everyone the space they need to figure out who they are. They soon discover that nothing can stay frozen in time forever, and Amaranth’s gifts are more complicated than they seem. While some of the logistics of the time stoppage seem superficial, and the romantic storylines unfold with some predictability, this expressive book shines in its portrayal of queer and trans joy and love. Ramona is Brazilian American and Cal is white; the other teenaged residents of Amaranth represent a range of genders and races. A glowingly tender fantasy with thoughtful representation and honest, lyrical writing.
Mika Permutt—Alameda Free Library