The Weight of the Stars

A vivid, evocative YA lesbian romance about how the universe is full of second chances. Ryann Bird dreams of traveling across the stars. But a career in space isn't an option for a girl who lives in a trailer park on the "wrong" side of town. So Ryann becomes her circumstances and settles for acting out and skipping school to hang out with her delinquent friends. One day she meets Alexandria: a furious loner who spurns Ryann's offer of friendship. After a horrific accident leaves Alexandria with a broken arm, the girls are brought together despite themselves—and Ryann learns her secret: Alexandria's mother is an astronaut who volunteered for a one-way trip to the edge of the solar system. Every night without fail, Alexandria waits to catch radio signals from her mother. And now it's up to Ryann to lift her onto the roof day after day until the silence between them grows into friendship, and eventually something more."Abbott-Pratt's gentle narration adopts a consistent and unhurried pace, allowing listeners to savor the slow-burn romance that builds between two reluctant friends. Abbott-Pratt utilizes subtle shifts in tone to create distinct characters, enriching her performance with an emotional connection that successfully captures their depth and authenticity." ---Booklist