About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherPenguin Young Readers Group

ISBN-10059385859X

ISBN-139780593858592

eBay Product ID (ePID)13071313716

Product Key Features

Book TitleUnder the Neon Lights

Number of Pages384 Pages

LanguageEnglish

Publication Year2025

TopicPeople & Places / United States / African American, Romance / Contemporary, General, Poetry

GenreJuvenile Fiction, Young Adult Fiction

AuthorArriel Vinson

FormatHardcover

Dimensions

Item Height1.2 in

Item Weight15.5 Oz

Item Length8.5 in

Item Width5.6 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceYoung Adult Audience

LCCN2024-055641

Reviews"With exquisite writing that leaps off the page and characters who will steal your heart, UNDER THE NEON LIGHTS is a breath of fresh air, and I loved every minute that I spent in Jaelyn's world. Arriel Vinson has crafted a perfect coming of age YA novel." -Kristina Forest, USA Today bestselling author of Zyla & Kai

Grade FromSeventh Grade

SynopsisIn this sparkling and heartfelt debut YA novel in verse by a Reese's Book Club LitUp fellow, a young Black girl discovers first love, self-worth, and the power of a good skate. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Joya Goffney. Sixteen-year-old Jaelyn Coleman lives for Saturdays at WestSide Roll, the iconic neighborhood roller rink. On these magical nights, Jae can lose herself in the music of DJ Sunny, the smell of nachos from the concession, and the crowd of some of her favorite people--old heads, dance crews, and other regulars like herself. Here, Jae and other Black teens can fully be themselves. One Saturday, as Jae skates away her worries, she crashes into the cutest boy she's ever seen. Trey's dimples, rich brown skin, and warm smile make it impossible for her to be mad at him though. Best of all, he can't stop finding excuses to be around her. A nice change for once, in contrast with her best friend's cold distance of late or her estranged father creeping back into her life. Just as Jae thinks her summer might change for the better, devastating news hits: Westside Roll is shutting down. The gentrification rapidly taking over her predominantly Black Indianapolis neighborhood, filling it with luxury apartments and fancy boutiques, has come for her safe-haven. And this is just one trouble Jae can't skate away from. Debut author Arriel Vinson's lyrical and contemplative story of young Black love and coming of age in Indianapolis ushers in an exciting new voice in YA literature.

LC Classification NumberPZ7.5.V56Un 2025