NerdCrush

Gr 8 Up–Chic geeks everywhere will appreciate this new novel from Emrich. Sixteen-year-old Ramona, who is Black, often doesn’t feel like she fits in at her almost all-white high school. She has cosplay and an online community of friends, but school is tough since her best friend moved away and the boy she has a crush on makes her feel invisible. While Ramona lacks confidence and has the usual teen insecurities, her cosplay alter-ego Rel is sure enough of herself to message Caleb, her crush. The pair begin exchanging messages and getting closer—but he still doesn’t know it’s Ramona. To complicate matters, Ramona and Caleb begin to develop a friendship in real life. Worried about how to come clean without losing Caleb and getting ready for a big cosplay convention, Ramona learns about the importance of honesty, forgiveness, and overcoming insecurities.