The Universe Is Expanding and So Am I, by Carolyn Mackler
From Carolyn Mackler, author of the Printz Honor-winning The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, comes a story of what happens when the "happily ever after" turns out to be less than perfect.
It's been five months since sixteen-year-old Virginia
Shreves thought her life was finally back on course: she has come to terms with
who she is both inside and out, and she's even started to rebuild her relationship
with her older brother Byron, whose date-rape charge completely shattered
everything.
But just as she's getting used to the new normal, Virginia's
world turns upside down again. Sparks with boyfriend Froggy Welsh the Fourth
fade, her best friend Shannon bombshells bad news, and then the police arrest
Byron.
As Virginia struggles to cope, she meets Sebastian, an
artist with his own baggage. The pair make a pact not to share their personal
dramas. But secrets have a way of coming out, and theirs have the potential to
ruin everything.
In this follow-up to the acclaimed The Earth, My Butt,
and Other Big Round Things, Carolyn Mackler brings Virginia's story
satisfyingly full circle in a hope-filled tale of forgiveness, love,
friendship, and the beauty in life's imperfections.
"Fans new and old will enjoy watching Virginia’s
journey towards self-acceptance in this well-timed, thoroughly enjoyable
sequel." - Booklist
"The deft interweaving of romance and family drama
makes this effective for fans of both genres, and the novel will satisfy both
established fans of Virginia and newcomers." - BCCB
"Virginia . . . continues to be a well-rounded and
maturing protagonist . . . A welcome read for those who loved the first book,
but also strong and enjoyable enough to stand alone." - School Library
Journal
"Well-written humor and fizzy romance." - Kirkus
Reviews
"A thoughtful and engaging read." - Publishers
Weekly
