Lovely, Dark, and Deep

By Justina Chen

Scholastic Inc | ISBN 9781338134063 Hardcover
352 Pages | 5.81" x 8.53" | Ages 12 & Up

Scholastic Inc | ISBN 9781338134070 Ebook
352 Pages | Ages 12 & Up

What would you do if the sun became your enemy?

That's exactly what happens to Viola Li after she returns from a trip abroad and develops a sudden and extreme case of photo-sensitivity — an inexplicable allergy to sunlight. Thanks to her crisis-manager parents, she doesn't just have to wear layers of clothes and a hat the size of a spaceship. She has to stay away from all hint of light. Say goodbye to windows and running outdoors. Even her phone becomes a threat when its screen burns her.

Viola is determined to maintain a normal life, particularly after she meets Josh. He's a funny, talented Thor look-alike who carries his own mysterious grief. But the intensity of their romance makes her take more and more risks, and when a rebellion against her parents backfires dangerously, she must find her way to a life — and love — as deep and lovely as her dreams.

Raves & reviews:

Praise for North of Beautiful:

Best Books of the Year List, Kirkus Reviews
Best Books of the Year List, Barnes & Noble
Walden Award finalist

* "With every carefully chosen word, well-crafted sentence, and fully developed character, [Chen maps out a wholly satisfying reading experience that takes readers from terra nullis to terra firma." -- Booklist, starred review

* “This emotionally satisfying novel is replete with themes about the true meaning of beauty…. Look out, Sarah Dessen. You may have met your match…” –- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Finely crafted." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Terra and Jacob are flawed, complex, and memorable characters. The message that true beauty and strength come from within is dominant, but this is also a moving and satisfying story in its own right." -- School Library Journal

Praise for A Blind Spot for Boys:

Booklist Top Ten Books
Texas Library Association Lone Star Reading List

"A Blind Spot for Boys uses sarcasm and humor to address the age-old conflict of love and trust. Told from Shana's perspective, readers gain insight into the fears and insecurities that plague adolescents after traumatic break-ups." -- VOYA

"Chen, author of the smart and serious North of Beautiful, finds similar ground here: an emotional and beautiful story, with hints of budding romance mixed in with the touching realism." -- Booklist

Praise for Nothing but the Truth (and a few white lies):

Asian Pacific American Award for Literature

"[Chen's voice is a new and much-needed one that shows great promise." -- School Library Journal