By Camryn Garrett, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2023
Camryn Garrett is an NAACP Image Award-nominated author and filmmaker from New York. Her first novel, Full Disclosure, received rave reviews from outlets such as Entertainment Weekly, the Today Show, and The Guardian, which called it “warm, funny and thoughtfully sex-positive, an impressive debut from a writer still in her teens.” Her second novel, Off the Record, received three starred reviews. Her third novel, Friday I’m in Love, was an IndieNext Pick and received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly.
Friday I’m in Love is “a love letter to romantic comedies, Sweet Sixteen blowouts, Black joy, and queer pride” (from the book jacket). The novel follows Mahalia Harris, a 16-year-old queer Black girl who is a junior in high school and wants to have a Sweet Sixteen party like her best friend Naomi. The only issue: money is tight and her birthday passed without fanfare because her single mom couldn’t afford a big party. What’s a girl to do?
Inspired by a conversation with Naomi about coming out, Mahalia has an idea. What if instead of a Sweet Sixteen party, she had an epic coming-out party? A big celebration of who she is, rather than a sad or scary sit down? Mahalia is nothing if not determined, and she resolves to have the party of her dreams no matter what.
Though Mahalia is excited, things aren’t easy. She has to work part-time to help her mom with bills and rent, the SATs are looming, she has to navigate casual racism as one of the few Black kids at high school, and even Naomi doesn’t understand everything Mahalia has to deal with. Naomi’s family is rich, and Mahalia can’t help but compare her situation to Naomi’s. Everything would be so much easier if she didn’t have to worry about money.
Even with these obstacles, everything seems possible when a new girl from Ireland, Siobhan, joins Mahalia’s history class and they are assigned to the same group for a project. Siobhan and Mahalia immediately hit it off, and Mahalia is instantly smitten. And she could swear Siobhan is flirting with her. There’s just one problem: Siobhan is dating Danny, a boy who is also in their group.
As unexpected bills arise, work drama ensues, and schoolwork piles up, Mahalia’s love of music and her flirtation with Siobhan keep Mahalia pushing through. But is she too ambitious? Does Siobhan just want to be friends? Will she ever save up enough money for the party of a lifetime?
What works: Garrett’s use of humor threads levity and light throughout the book, even as she tackles tough topics like casual racism, lack of parental support, having to grow up too fast, and the stress of planning for college. Mahalia is a lovingly rendered character, given the space to be flawed and vulnerable, imperfect and lovable. Her dedication to being who she is will inspire readers to do the same.
What doesn’t work: Secondary characters can occasionally come across as somewhat flat in comparison to the attentive characterization of Mahalia as the protagonist. The book lagged in a few places that could have been remedied with more detail about Mahalia’s best friend and the other people she loves and spends time with.
Pass It OR Grab It? Grab It! Mahalia’s story is funny, bighearted, and true to life. The book is best for public libraries, and is recommended for fans of Queerceañera by Alex Crespo and Whiteout by Dhonielle Clayton.
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