Daisy and Noah are aspiring musicians at a New York arts academy, both hoping for Julliard in the future. When their duet from a winter concert ends up going viral, the pair find themselves thrust into the spotlight. Daisy is seen as an inspiration for being a musician with cerebral palsy, and the attention makes Noah's anxiety even worse. On top of that, the two are falling for each other, now on an even larger stage than expected. This sweet, contemporary debut novel tackles issues of mental health, ableism, family stress, wealth, and privilege, all within a tender romance. The knowledge and exploration of music and the deeper issues of standing up to the world around you and believing in yourself, as well as the supportive friendship and characters living with a wide range of experiences, help this title stand out. A good choice for libraries where contemporary romances are popular.

A viral duet causes discord for two promising musicians in See's debut.Italian American New York City teen Daisy Abano just wants to be seen as "a skilled disabled violinist," not a charity case. But people can't see past her cerebral palsy. The school bully calls her "Differently Abled," and her church's congregation prays for her to be cured. Daisy's working-class parents, busy with their jobs and caring for her little sister, hardly see her at all. Getting accepted to Juilliard would prove her skill, and a class duet project is the perfect way to showcase her abilities. She's paired with wealthy cello prodigy Noah Moray, whose father emigrated from Scotland. The pressure of measuring up to his equally musically talented family members exacerbates Noah's anxiety, but he can't bear to disappoint them. As they rehearse, Daisy and Noah find themselves falling in love, culminating in a performance-and a kiss-that goes viral. But their newfound fame exposes Daisy to even worse ableism and exploitation, and Noah discovers he is out of his depth. Daisy's and Noah's alternating narratives candidly explore such issues as emotional neglect and class privilege. The author, herself disabled, portrays the media's often patronizing depictions of disabled people with realism that is uncomfortable in its pointed accuracy. Though the dialogue is occasionally heavy-handed, Daisy's self-assurance is refreshing, and Noah's therapy sessions offer insights on allyship.Thought-provoking though not subtle. (Romance. 13-18)

Debut author See writes with authority about a talented teenage violinist who has cerebral palsy in this swoony romance. Juilliard hopeful Daisy Abano, a white senior at the prestigious Manhattan Academy of Musical Performance, is thrilled when she’s chosen to play a concert duet with her crush Noah Moray, a white cello prodigy who has anxiety and |is from “one of the most illustrious music families in all of New York City.” Despite their differing opinions on what music to play, the two are well-matched performers. When their dazzling concert performance—and their passionate on-stage kiss—goes viral, the pair are launched into the limelight. While Daisy is rightfully upset by ableist comments calling her an inspiration for “overcoming cerebral palsy,” she knows that the fame could better her chances of receiving a scholarship to Juilliard. But as the remarks increase in frequency and the notoriety exacerbates Noah’s anxiety, the duo’s relationship becomes strained. Although the novel’s message leans on formulaic plot beats, Daisy and Noah’s alternating perspectives offer an enticing portrayal of two teens confronting obstacles while falling in love in the public eye. Ages 12–up. Agent: Emily Forney, BookEnds Literary. (July)

Gr 8 Up— Daisy Abano and Noah Moray seem to have nothing in common except their school orchestra and Julliard ambitions. Daisy's Italian American parents are too busy working and caring for her toddler sister to attend her performances, while Noah is the last in a long line of wealthy and talented Scottish musicians who can't help but put him under maximum pressure. Daisy has cerebral palsy and is determined to prove that she deserves her place at the prestigious Manhattan Academy of Musical Performance, even though she is constantly bombarded by ableist discrimination from her peers and teachers. Her crush on cellist Noah blossoms into something more when they are teamed up for a duet. Their performance culminates in a passionate kiss and the video goes viral. Thrust into the limelight, Noah gets a crash course in how cruel people can be online, and the types of hate Daisy faces as a disabled violinist. Their relationship falters but inevitably gets back on track with some help from Noah's therapist, who teaches him to manage his anxiety and gives him some practical tools for positive allyship. A predictable plot and some heavy-handed dialogue are peppered with refreshing discussions about disability, online bullying, mental health, and privilege. The presence of some ableist slurs may limit the audience, though they are addressed in the context of the story. VERDICT A gooey, tender love story that leans heavily on romantic tropes but introduces fresh perspectives on disability and allyship. A recommended purchase for larger YA collections.— Allison Staley