SATA
ENTRY TYPE:
WORK TITLE: Amelia, If Only
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.beckyalbertalli.com/
CITY: Roswell
STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
LAST VOLUME: SATA 406
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born 1982, in Sandy Springs, GA; daughter of James Goldstein and Eileen Thomas; married, 2011; husband’s name Brian; children: Owen, Henry.
EDUCATION:Wesleyan University, B.A. (psychology), 2005; George Washington University, Psy.D. (clinical psychology), 2010.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Worked as a psychologist at Kingsbury Day School, Washington, DC.
AWARDS:National Book Award longlist, 2015, William C. Morris Debut YA Award and Top Teen Best Fiction for Young Adults designation, both American Library Association, both 2016, all for Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.
RELIGION: Jewish.WRITINGS
Contributor to Dear Heartbreak: YA Authors and Teens on the Dark Side of Love, edited by Heather Demetrios, Henry Holt and Company (New York, NY), 2018.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda was adapted as the motion picture Love, Simon, 20th Century Fox, 2018, and inspired the television series Love, Victor, Hulu, 2020-21. Some of Albertalli’s novels have been adapted as audiobooks.
SIDELIGHTS
A former clinical psychologist, Becky Albertalli is the author of several popular novels for young-adult audiences, including Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Love, Creekwood, and Yes No Maybe So. Her works, which explore romance, identity, and religion, among other topics, have drawn praise for their relatable characters, witty dialogue, and realistic narratives. Discussing The Upside of Unrequited, Albertalli’s second title, Horn Book reviewer Claire E. Gross described it as “a perceptive dramedy that tackles substantial themes with warmth and subtlety.”
Albertalli received the William C. Morris Debut YA Award for Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, “a coming-of-age, coming-out, and defying-the-odds story with which many teens will identify,” observed School Library Journal contributor Brittany Staszak. Simon Speir, a closeted high school junior, develops an online relationship with an anonymous classmate known as “Blue,” but his secret is revealed when he forgets to log out of a public computer and another student, Martin, discovers the correspondence. To avoid being outed, Simon must persuade one of his best friends to go on a date with Martin. “Though Martin’s blackmail threats and Simon’s … romance with Blue are … compelling plot points, Albertalli shrewdly gives much more weight to Simon’s emotional journey,” Sarah Hunter noted in Booklist.
Part of the author’s “Simonverse” series, The Upside of Unrequited introduces Molly Peskin-Suso, an overweight and anxious seventeen-year-old, and her self-confident twin sister, Cassie. When Cassie finds happiness with a new girlfriend, Mina, Molly finally decides to take a chance on love but finds herself torn between her nerdy coworker, Reid, and Mina’s hipster pal, Will. “Albertalli has done an excellent job of creating in Molly a sympathetic, if occasionally exasperating, character,” Michael Cart stated in Booklist, and BookPage critic Sarah Weber remarked that the author “has a knack for capturing the all-encompassing emotions of adolescence, and her talents are on full display” in the work.
A shared love interest threatens to derail a friendship in Kate in Waiting. The novel centers on Georgia high schooler Kate Garfield and her inseparable (and perhaps codependent) companion Anderson Walker. When Matt Olsson, an attractive teenager the duo encountered at a summer theater camp, enrolls at their school, Kate and Anderson both fall for the newcomer, forcing them to navigate uncharted waters in their relationship. “Told in Albertalli’s typical rom-com style, this book is endearing, charming, and packed with plenty of snark,” Alicia Kalan remarked in School Library Journal.
Written with Adam Silvera, What If It’s Us concerns the on-again, off-again relationship between Ben, a native New Yorker nursing a broken heart, and Arthur, a Georgia teen interning at his mother’s firm for a summer. Voice of Youth Advocates critic Courtney Huse Wika explained that What If It’s Us “is a novel about connections, missed connections, and miscommunications.” The book’s dual narrative “delves into themes of identity and the complexities of relationships, both romantic and platonic,” a writer noted in Kirkus Reviews.
In 2021 Albertalli and Silvera came together to produce the sequel to What If It’s Us, Here’s to Us. In an interview on the Fiction Advocate website, Albertalli explained, “We planned the sequel pretty early on, although we didn’t have a duology planned from the very beginning, because the first book had a different ending that wasn’t quite as open. But I do remember that we were starting to plan it out on tour for What If It’s Us, so we were already actively starting to plot the story, although it did end up changing a lot by the time we sat down to officially write it.” It has been two years since Ben and Arthur parted ways. Now both in college, Ben finds himself entangled in a not-quite-relationship with Mario, whom he met in creative writing class. Arthur, on the other hand, is heading back toward New York to begin his dream job as an intern off Broadway. Arthur’s sweetheart, Mikey, is along for the ride. The two are headed for a confusing collision that will bring out the past in spectacular fashion. When Ben finds out that Arthur is heading back to New York over social media he decides to reach out. Now the two must navigate their relationship with a new host of complications as they grow and learn. “The authors capture just the right amount of romantic tension and show teens how people and relationships change over time,” wrote Alicia Kalan reviewing the work in School Library Journal. In Kirkus Reviews a contributor noted, “the narrative alternates between Ben’s and Arthur’s perspectives with off-the-charts wit and chemistry,” and concluded that Here’s to Us is a “swoonworthy wish fulfillment that checks all the right boxes.” Reviewing the work in Booklist, Jeanne Fredriksen concluded, “The story works as a stand-alone, but purists will insist readers start with book one to experience maximum Ben and Arthur.” In an interview with JoAnn Yao on the We Need Diverse Books website, Albertalli discussed what she feels is the takeaway of Here’s to Us: “It’s the idea of do-overs, and this really was the perfect chance to explore that even more deeply than we could in What If It’s Us. Even the existence of Here’s to Us is a do-over! I really think we undervalue the importance of making and learning from mistakes and wrong turns in life, in love, in friendship, in activism. But the truth is, we’re all rough drafts.”
Albertalli joined forces with fellow author Aisha Saeed for Yes No Maybe So, which offers a “convincing, relevant message about democratic responsibility,” according to a Publishers Weekly reviewer. Once childhood friends, Jamie Goldberg, a Jewish teen, and Maya Rehman, a Muslim girl, reconnect while serving as volunteers on a Georgia state senate campaign, finding common ground when a proposed bill calls for a partial ban on head coverings. Writing in School Library Journal, Erin Downey called Yes No Maybe So a “warm, beautiful story about relationships’ beginnings, endings, and transitions; what it means to fight the good fight; and the transformative power of local activism.”
Albertalli notes that her work as a psychologist has contributed to her literary success, especially her ability to write dialogue. “In particular, when I was working as a trainee, I was often expected to type up transcripts of therapy sessions from memory (to the best of my ability) to share with my clinical supervisor,” she recalled to Sweet Sixteens blog interviewer Jeff Zentner. “I quickly learned that the way people speak is as meaningful as the content of their speech. It became important to notice pauses and hesitations, or the way we avoid certain issues by talking around them, or how emotions impact our choice of words.”
Imogen Scott grapples with complicated feelings in Albertalli’s 2023 work, Imogen, Obviously. Imogen has always been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, she has branded herself as the biggest ally to the queer community, never missing a chance to prove her allyship. She has never missed a meeting of her high school’s Pride Alliance group. Imogen has always identified as straight, but things grow complicated when she visits her best friend, Lili, at Blackwell College, where Imogen also plans to attend. “For me the idea of myself as an ally was so fundamental to my own process that it made my exploration harder, which is not always the case. A lot of people start out as allies and that gives them access to more perspectives on queerness. Where it got tricky for me was that since I was in the public eye, I felt like I owed a sense of my positionality to my public, and I had to ‘fess up,” commented Albertalli in an interview with Martha Schulman on the Publishers Weekly website. Lili has recently come out as pansexual and has made new friends with a welcoming group of likeminded LGBTQ+ students. To complicate matters, in an effort to appear more experienced Lili told her friends that she used to be in a relationship with Imogen. When Imogen begins integrating into Lili’s friend group the lines of her own sexuality and attraction blur. She meets Tessa, a self-assured friend of Lili’s, and is immediately attracted to her outgoing personality. Imogen may not be as straight as she once thought. Her allyship may run deeper than empathy, and at Blackwell College all will be made clear. Writing in Kirkus Reviews a contributor concluded, “The friendships and relationship dynamics are believable and heartfelt. Imogen’s journey feels authentic and sincere.” Aurora Dominguez, reviewing Imogen, Obviously in Booklist, declared that the work is “a masterpiece that will be cherished by anyone who has felt they might not belong.” In her review of the work in School Library Journal, Alison Glass stated that Imogen’s, “story of grappling with her identity during this transitional period of life will resonate with teens.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, August 1, 2015, Sarah Hunter, review of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, p. 60; January 1, 2017, Michael Cart, review of The Upside of Unrequited, p. 86; December 1, 2019, Maggie Reagan, review of Yes No Maybe So, p. 56; December 1, 2021, Jeanne Fredriksen, review of Here’s to Us, p. 48; April 15, 2023, Aurora Dominguez, review of Imogen, Obviously, p. 53.
BookPage, April 2015, Sharon Verbeten, review of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, p. 29; April, 2017, Sarah Weber, review of The Upside of Unrequited, p. 28; October, 2018, Sharon Verbeten, review of What If It’s Us, p. 28.
Horn Book, March-April, 2017, Claire E. Gross, review of The Upside of Unrequited, p. 82; January-February, 2020, Shoshana Flax, review of Yes No Maybe So, p. 85.
Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2018, review of What If It’s Us; February 15, 2021, review of Kate in Waiting; November 1, 2021, review of Here’s to Us; March 15, 2023, review of Imogen, Obviously.
Publishers Weekly, December 2, 2015, review of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, p. 98; December 9, 2019, review of Yes No Maybe So, p. 151; February 15, 2021, review of Kate in Waiting, p. 190.
School Library Journal, January, 2015, Brittany Staszak, review of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, p. 105; December, 2019, Erin Downey, review of Yes No Maybe So, p. 86; February, 2021, Alicia Kalan, review of Kate in Waiting, p. 73; December, 2021, Alicia Kalan, review of Here’s to Us, p. 93; May, 2023, Alison Glass, review of Imogen, Obviously, p. 82.
Voice of Youth Advocates, August, 2016, Kristin Anderson, review of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, p. 54; April, 2017, Courtney Munday, review of The Upside of Unrequited, p. 54; October, 2018, Courtney Huse Wika, review of What If It’s Us, p. 62.
ONLINE
Becky Albertalli website, http://www.beckyalbertalli.com/ (November 3, 2023).
Dymocks, https://www.dymocks.com.au/ (May 6, 2023), author interview.
Fiction Advocate, https://www.fictionadvocate.com/ (January 19, 2022), “Write Like a Mother: Becky Albertalli,” author interview.
Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/ (June 28, 2023), Toni Fitzgerald, “YA Bestseller Becky Albertalli On The Pride Book She Had To Write,” author interview.
Hub, http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/ (January 28, 2016), Emily Childress-Campbell, “2016 Morris Award Winner: An Interview with Becky Albertalli.”
Hypable blog, https://www.hypable.com/ (April 7, 2015), Marama Whyte, “Becky Albertalli Talks LGBTQIA+ Representation in YA Fiction.”
Nerd Daily blog, https://thenerddaily.com/ (April 19, 2021), Mimi Koehler, “Q&;A: Becky Albertalli.”
Publishers Weekly, https://www.publishersweekly.com/ (January 7, 2020), “In Conversation: Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed;” (April 6, 2023), Martha Schulman, author interview.
Sweet Sixteens blog, https://thesweetsixteens.wordpress.com/ (April 15, 2015), Jeff Zentner, “The Debut Club: An Interview with Becky Albertalli.”
We Need Diverse Books, https://diversebooks.org/ (December 28, 2021), JoAnn Yao, author interview.
YA Books Central, https://www.yabookscentral.com/ (May 1, 2023), Cherokee Crum, author interview.*
…was born and raised in the Atlanta, GA suburbs.
…has been writing stories since preschool. Generally about her pets.
…is three years older than her sister and twelve years older than her brother.
…is an extraordinarily picky eater.
…really loves ice cream, though. And most desserts.
…is Jewish, despite her Italian last name.
…has attempted and spectacularly failed at almost every sport.
…rocked t-shirts from the Nature Company basically every day of middle school.
…actually did fail sex ed in sixth grade (the diagrams were slightly overwhelming).
…wrote and directed a tragic play at age twelve with a plot that borrowed heavily from a Lurlene McDaniel novel.
…read a whole lot of The Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High.
…in all seriousness, wanted to be Mary Anne Spier, but was a total Mallory Pike.
…was briefly but powerfully obsessed with anime in high school.
…has dazzled audiences with moving portrayals of Townsperson, Lady in Waiting, Chorus, and Hairy Ishmaelite.
…went to college in Connecticut and totally freaked out about all of the snow.
…and her college friends once created their own likenesses on the Sims, and it was all fun until Sim Becky burned the Sim house down and then peed herself.
…majored in psychology and avoided hard sciences whenever possible.
…studied abroad at St. Andrews in Scotland, which had nothing to do with Prince William being there at the time. Nothing at all.
…moved to Washington, D.C. after college and eventually earned a doctorate in clinical psychology.
…met her husband playing kickball.
What should I call you?
Call me Becky! But my last name is pronounced like “Albert tallied the votes.”
Wait, you wrote a book? Where can I get it?
I did! I’ve written a few! My first book, Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, released in April 2015. My second book, The Upside of Unrequited, released in April 2017. My third book, Leah on the Offbeat, released in April of 2018. My fourth book (co-written with Adam Silvera) is called What If It’s Us, and it released in October of 2018. My fifth book (cowritten with Aisha Saeed) is called Yes No Maybe So, and it released on February 4th, 2020. My sixth book is called Love, Creekwood and it released on June 30th, 2020. My seventh book is called Kate In Waiting and it released on April 20th, 2021. My eighth book is called Here’s To Us (cowritten with Adam Silvera) and it released on October 5th, 2021. My ninth book is called Imogen, Obviously and it will be released on May 2nd, 2023. There are lots of ways to get them.
You may be able to find them in your local bookstore (especially indies) or your local library.
Or you can order them online! Some of my favorite bookstores with online ordering options are:
Powells in Portland, OR
Inkwood Books in Tampa, FL
Charis Books & More in Atlanta, GA
Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park, CA
Avid Bookshop in Athens, GA
Politics and Prose in Washington, DC
Little Shop of Stories in Atlanta, GA
You can also get them from:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Books a Million
iBooks
Bookshop
Or directly from HarperCollins
And if you live outside the United States, I highly recommend Book Depository.
What formats are available for your books?
In the US and Canada, SIMON, UPSIDE, LEAH, WIIU, YNMS, LOVE, CREEKWOOD, HTU, and KATE IN WAITING are available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook. Simon’s audiobook is voiced by Michael Crouch. Upside’s audiobook is voiced by Arielle DeLisle. Leah’s audiobook is voiced by Shannon Purser. What If It’s Us and Here’s To Us are voiced by Noah Galvin and Froy Gutierrez. Yes No Maybe So is voiced by Michael Crouch and Tiya Sircar. Kate In Waiting is voiced by Bebe Wood. All of my currently published books are available in paperback and audio in the UK, Australia, and NZ (Simonverse – Penguin UK, WIIU and YNMS—Simon and Schuster UK). SIMON also has a special edition hardcover available, along with a paperback movie tie-in edition, and an Epic Reads Special Edition. A special edition boxed set of SIMON, UPSIDE, and LEAH paperbacks is also available in the US and Canada.
My books have been translated into lots of languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese (with separate editions for Portugal and Brazil), Thai, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Taiwanese, Indonesian, Polish, Czech, German, Italian, Hungarian, Finnish, Vietnamese, Hebrew, Turkish, Japanese, Korean, Romanian, Estonian, Slovakian, Russian, Croatian, Bulgarian, Slovenian, Chinese (Simplified Characters), Chinese (Complex Characters), and Serbian! Stay up to date on upcoming translations here.
Can I order a signed book?
I’m so happy to announce that you can order signed, personalized copies of all of my books from Bookmiser, in Marietta, GA! Scroll down on their homepage until you see the graphic with my book covers. When you click on it, it will download a form for you to fill out, along with instructions for submitting the form via email (you can also call). Signed copies of What If It’s Us and Yes No Maybe So will be personalized by me, and may not include Adam or Aisha’s signatures. Bookmiser can ship internationally, though there is an extra shipping fee, to be determined based on package weight and country.
Sometimes I sign stock at Little Shop of Stories or Charis Books and More (keep an eye on my Instagram page).
You can also keep an eye on my events page – often bookstores are able to hold books to be signed/personalized at my events, and then shipped out later!
How did you become an author?
I’m still scratching my head and asking myself that question. In a nutshell, I used to be a clinical psychologist, but I left that job when my older son was born in 2012. When he was tiny, I decided to write the book I’d always told myself I’d write.
That book turned out to be SIMON!
To learn more about my specific becoming-an-author story, check out Summer Heacock’s beautiful blog for the very first interview I ever gave as an author (but ignore the parts about my second book. The details TOTALLY changed.)
To learn more about how you can become a traditionally published author, I recommend this incredible guest post by Delilah Dawson on Chuck Wendig’s blog, terribleminds.
Also, read literally everything on Dahlia Adler’s blog, The Daily Dahlia. She’s amazing – and her books are, too.
Can you read my manuscript?
I’m so sorry – I truly can’t (unless you are one of my existing critique partners or I specifically offer to read it).
But I found my amazing critique partners through Absolute Write and my local writers’ organization.
If you’re able to pay, you can also find really wonderful freelance editors to help with your manuscript. I highly recommend two of my favorite authors, Katherine Locke and Laura Silverman. Another really cool option: Laura has a Patreon offering a monthly newsletter with writing and publishing advice. Learn more about it here!
Can you blurb my book?
This question is always a giant compliment! I do read, love, and blurb a lot of new releases. Right now, I am absolutely full for 2023 books (note: if we’ve discussed this and I’ve agreed to blurb your book, you are still on my list!). If your book comes out in 2024 or later, please (PLEASE) ask early. Due to my own deadlines and prior commitments, it is almost impossible for me to blurb a book on short notice. And thank you so, so much for understanding if I’m unable to blurb your book. I do try to read and help promote as many new releases as I possibly can, even if I’m unable to provide a cover quote. If you are an author asking directly, I strongly prefer blurb requests to come in through my assistant, Matthew Eppard (albertalli.requests@gmail.com). If your agent or editor is inquiring, please go through my agent, Holly Root (holly@rootliterary.com), or Holly’s assistant, Alyssa Moore (alyssa@rootliterary.com). This helps me stay organized, since I typically get several requests per week across multiple platforms. Requests sent via social media DM make it hard for me to stay organized — I much prefer these requests to come via email.
What’s your favorite kind of Oreo?
Double Stuf or Classic.
But you’ll still respect me if I like Golden Oreos, right?
No.
What was your inspiration for Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda?
Inspiration can be complicated—this post is my best attempt to explain it.
But you worked with LGBTQIAP+ kids and teens as a psychologist, right? Is Simon based on them?
I did work a lot with LGBTQ teens and adults, as well as gender nonconforming children. However, Simon is not based on anyone I’ve worked with in a clinical capacity. I’m painstakingly careful to ensure that none of my characters are based on former clients. Like all practicing and formerly practicing clinical psychologists, I take therapist-client confidentiality extremely seriously.
Are you planning on practicing psychology again at some point? And would you consider being my therapist?
I’m not sure if I’ll go back to psychology in the near future. Unfortunately, if I know you as a reader or member of the writing community, I can’t be your therapist (this would be an ethical violation on my part).
I’m feeling depressed and have been having thoughts of suicide. I know you were a psychologist. Can you help me?
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Unfortunately, legally and ethically, I am not allowed to take on a therapeutic role with my readers and friends. But I care about you deeply. Please reach out to your friends, family, teachers, or other supportive adults in your life (or your therapist, if you have one!).
The number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Do not hesitate to call, 24/7. Do not feel like your feelings are not significant or important enough.
If you’re more comfortable texting, contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741.
I also highly recommend downloading the free notOK app if it’s currently available in your country. This app serves as a digital panic button, sending an immediate request for help to a small circle of trusted contacts.
And if you’re an LGBTQIAP+ person between the ages of 13 and 24, The Trevor Project offers many wonderful resources. The number for their 24/7 suicide lifeline is 866-488-7386
Can you give me advice on coming out?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but you can read more about my experience here.
The Trevor Project has a great resource for this.
For advice on navigating LGBTQIAP+ issues in school, I recommend GLSEN.
If you’re a parent or an ally of an LGBTQIAP+ kid or teen, consider becoming involved in PFLAG.
What are your pronouns?
She/her
In what order should I read your books?
My first three books and my novella are part of the same universe, so if you want to experience the full story chronologically, you should read SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA, then THE UPSIDE OF UNREQUITED, then LEAH ON THE OFFBEAT, then Love, Creekwood. That said, The Upside of Unrequited takes place in a different setting, and can easily exist as a standalone story (meaning: it will make total sense if you read it on its own, and also, you do not need to read it to understand Leah On the Offbeat and Love, Creekwood). You can read Leah On the Offbeat and Love, Creekwood on their own, but I think you’ll get more out of them if you read Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda first (or at least see Love, Simon)(but seriously, IMO, Leah is much more exciting if you read Simon Vs first).
WHAT IF IT’S US, YES NO MAYBE SO, and KATE IN WAITING are completely separate from the Simonverse (and previous books by Adam Silvera and Aisha Saeed) so it doesn’t matter when you read them in relation to our backlists. IMOGEN, OBVIOUSLY fully functions as a standalone, too, but there’s a Simonverse reference for eagle-eyed readers.
Can you tell me about Love, Simon?
Yes! Simon was recently adapted into the film LOVE, SIMON, which was released widely in theaters on March 16th, 2018. It is currently available to purchase electronically, as a DVD, blue-ray, or 4K. Target also released a special edition DVD that includes exclusive bonus Simon/Blue emails by me (these emails pick up right after the bonus emails in the Simon Vs. Special Edition Hardcover).
The film was directed by Greg Berlanti, distributed by Fox 2000, and produced by Temple Hill Entertainment. Fox 2000 and Temple Hill recently collaborated on The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns. Isaac Klausner, Marty Bowen, and Wyck Godfrey from Temple Hill are producing, along with Pouya Shahbazian (Divergent) and Chris McEwen from New Leaf Literary.
The script was written by Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger. They’re the writers and showrunners for This Is Us.
The film stars Nick Robinson as Simon, Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel as his parents, Talitha Bateman as Nora, Alexandra Shipp as Abby, Katherine Langford as Leah, Logan Miller as Martin, Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Nick, Keiynan Lonsdale as Bram, Miles Heizer as Cal, Tony Hale as the assistant principal, Natasha Rothwell as Ms. Albright, and more!
Love, Simon won Choice Movie-Comedy in the 2018 Teen Choice Awards, and Nick Robinson was chosen as the Choice Breakout Movie Star. Nick Robinson and Keiynan Lonsdale won Best Kiss at the 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards. Love, Simon is also Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
You can read my FAQ here, or check the film’s IMDB page here.
What can you tell me about Love, Victor (the Love, Simon Hulu spinoff)?
A television spinoff to the Love, Simon film is available now on Hulu and Disney+ in the US and Disney+ Star internationally. The spinoff stars Michael Cimino as Victor, a new student at Creekwood High School. Victor is navigating coming out as gay, and he reaches out to Creekwood alum Simon Spier for help. The series also stars Ana Ortiz and James Martinez as Victor’s parents and Isabella Ferreira and Mateo Fernandez as his siblings. Rachel Naomi Hilson, Bebe Wood, George Sear, Mason Gooding, Anthony Turpel, Anthony Kevan, and Ava Capri all play fellow Creekwood students in Victor’s orbit.
The spinoff is executive produced by Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger (who adapted the Love, Simon movie screenplay), along with Brian Tanen, Jason Ensler, Isaac Klausner, Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Adam Fishbach, and Pouya Shahbazian. Amy York Rubin directed the first episode, and Pilar Boehm and Adam Londy co-executive produce. Greg Berlanti is not involved in the spinoff, but Nick Robinson (Simon Spier in Love, Simon) narrates the series and serve as a producer.
The series ran for three seasons and all of them are available now.
CAN YOU PLEASE TURN ONE OF YOUR OTHER BOOKS INTO A MOVIE OR A TV SHOW?
Film/TV stuff is happening behind the scenes for a few of my other books, but I’m unable to reveal more information at the moment. Thank you so much for bearing with me!
That said, like most authors, I have no control over whether my books are optioned and greenlit for film. Rights to LEAH ON THE OFFBEAT belong to Disney, since they own all film and theatrical rights to the LOVE, SIMON characters. Whether a LOVE, SIMON sequel gets made is entirely up to them.
Will you adapt SIMON VS/LOVE, SIMON into a musical? Or can I be involved in adapting it?
All theatrical rights – stage and film – are owned by Disney.
Will you be my pen pal?
This is a tough one for me. I love my readers so much. Believe me when I say that I absolutely love hearing from you, with all my heart.
However, I get a lot of messages in the vein of what Simon might write to Blue. They are so charming and lovely, but I’m afraid I’m unable to maintain an online friendship with that level of back-and-forth intimacy. Realistically, I’m a super-stressed author with a lot of deadlines and two very young kids. It kills me that I’m unable to connect with you in this way, but there are simply too many potential pen pals!
(Man, I hope you guys somehow connect with each other, though. I’m not kidding when I say you are the actual smartest, funniest, most wonderful human beings.)
Okay, but I can still email you, right?
If you need something from me, please email my assistant, Matthew, at albertalli.requests@gmail.com.
Can I DM you?
Of course! But…realistically, unless we are mutuals, I am typically unable to reply. I do NOT run my Twitter account, nor do I check my Twitter DMs. I am absolutely baffled by Facebook Messenger, and will often not see messages for months (even from close friends and family members – seriously, what is up with Facebook Messenger??). I basically never check Tumblr or Goodreads. I do run my own Instagram, but I am unable to reply to DMs I receive there unless they are from people I already know and/or follow. Thank you so much for understanding!
Will you or your publisher send me a review copy of your book?
My publisher and I are no longer able to send review copies of any of my currently published books. For upcoming releases, electronic copies of my books can usually be requested on Edelweiss. You can inquire by emailing my assistant, Matthew Eppard, at albertalli.requests@gmail.com. Please include as much information as possible about any social media and in-person platforms you have (this will help my publisher determine how to allocate their limited number of review copies). Please also include your mailing address and whether or not you would be open to reading an electronic copy of the book. We will forward all requests to my team at HarperCollins. Please note that Matthew and I do not make the decisions about who receives review copies – we’re simply compiling inquiries to forward to our team. Due to the high number of email requests, Matthew will be unable to reply directly to inquiries – but we will forward your request! Thank you so much for understanding.
Would you mind sending me a free signed copy?
I get this question VERY frequently, usually from readers who have already purchased my book and would like to use the extra for a giveaway. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you for purchasing, reading, and wanting to promote my books. However, the truth is, like most authors, I get a very limited number of extra copies. Mine have been gone for months (mostly donated to schools, libraries, and LGBTQIAP+ organizations, or used for my own giveaways). At this point, any copies I give away for any reason have to be purchased out of my pocket. I wish I could afford to do this for my readers, but I’m afraid there are a lot of you (and I’m so grateful for that)!
That being said, if you are inquiring on behalf of a school, library, or other organization (ESPECIALLY if your organization specifically supports LGBTQIAP+ youth), please get in touch. I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to donate, but I will always try to make exceptions for these cases. You can reach me at albertalli.requests@gmail.com
I also periodically run giveaways for signed books and other cool prizes, so keep an eye on my instagram page!
I’d like to donate money to support LGBTQIAP+ youth! Do you have any favorite organizations?
You are awesome for considering this, and I do have a few favorites! I really love The Trevor Project (donate here) and GLSEN (donate here).
Can I send you a letter in the mail? If so, where should I send it?
I’m in the process of updating this – stay tuned!!
Can I send you my book so you can sign it and send it back to me?
I’m so sorry – I’m unable to do that.
Do you do school visits?
When I can! Please feel free to email me to inquire about my rates: albertalli.requests@gmail.com
Will you be doing any events or signings soon?
Yes! More info coming soon. Keep an eye on my Instagram for more information in the future.
I’m working on a school project about you or one of your books. Can you help me?
I’m so sorry – I am unable to help with school projects (though I’m incredibly flattered that you want to do a project about me). Fortunately, if you’re willing to do a little research, most of the questions I’ve gotten from students have been answered in places online. I recommend searching the phrase: “Becky Albertalli interviews.” I’ve been giving interviews about my books for a few years, so your chances of finding the information you’re looking for are very good.
Will you do an interview or guest post for my blog?
I’m honored that you want to feature me! Realistically, this depends on my schedule, but you can always feel free to reach out to me via email and ask. albertalli.requests@gmail.com
Do you mind if I write fanfiction about your characters? Or draw fanart? Or compile edits or playlists?
I do NOT mind, and you are literally my favorite people. I’m a huge supporter of Simon fan stuff (I read the fanfic! I have framed Simon fanart from readers in my room!).
If you’re looking to find these things online, one of the best places to start is the creeksecrets tumblr! This is a reader-created site with lots of cool Simon art, gossip, and so many lovely spoilers! I also recommend checking out the Simon tag of Ao3 for some absolutely beautiful reader-created content.
Would you consider writing a POV character who comes from ?
It’s so important to me to strive toward inclusive books with thoughtful representation.
There are some experiences I feel I’m not able to authentically and accurately represent
(particularly in cases where there are very few mainstream books about a particular
marginalized experience/intersecting marginalized experiences). The good news is that sometimes the book you’re looking for already exists. My favorite website is Dahlia Adler’s LGBTQReads. It’s so comprehensive and well-organized – a true lifesaver!
Uh, Becky? It’s actually just called “Tumblr,” not “the Tumblr.”
Yes. I know. One or two or a million people have mentioned this.
Simon and his friends refer to creeksecrets as “the Tumblr” because they’re referring to a specific Tumblr page, as opposed to ALL of Tumblr. Imagine how much less of an impact Martin would have if he posted his bullshit to the big, wide abyss of Tumblr. “The Tumblr” is a specific community for Simon’s high school.
Kind of like how my moms’ group has a Facebook group, but we don’t refer to it as “Takoma Mamas.” We just call it the Facebook group. (I know this example doesn’t help make the case that I’m young and cool, but you get it, right?).
That being said, if it doesn’t work for you as a reader, that’s totally fine.
Becky Albertalli
USA flag (b.1982)
Becky Albertalli is a clinical psychologist who has had the privilege of conducting therapy with dozens of smart, weird, irresistible teenagers. She also served for seven years as co-leader of a support group for gender nonconforming children in Washington, DC.
Albertalli attended college in Connecticut and majored in psychology before moving to Washington, D.C. and gaining a doctorate in clinical psychology. She worked as a psychologist until 2012—when her first son was born—and subsequently decided to try writing a novel.
She now lives with her family in Atlanta.
Genres: Young Adult Romance
Series
Simonverse
1. Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (2015)
aka Love, Simon
2. Leah on the Offbeat (2018)
Love, Creekwood (2020)
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What If It's Us (with Adam Silvera)
1. What If It's Us (2018)
2. Here's To Us (2021)
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Novels
The Upside of Unrequited (2017)
Yes No Maybe So (2020) (with Aisha Saeed)
Kate in Waiting (2021)
Imogen, Obviously (2022)
Amelia, If Only (2025)
Becky Albertalli
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article contains promotional content. Please help improve it by removing promotional language and inappropriate external links, and by adding encyclopedic text written from a neutral point of view. (August 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Becky Albertalli
Albertalli at YA Midwest on July 26, 2025
Albertalli at YA Midwest on July 26, 2025
Born Rebecca Goldstein
November 17, 1982 (age 42)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Occupation
Novelistformer psychologist
Education
Wesleyan University (BA)
George Washington University (PhD)
Period 2015–present
Genre
Young adultRomanceLGBTComing of Age
Notable works
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Leah on the Offbeat
The Upside of Unrequited
Love, Creekwood
Kate In Waiting
Imogen, Obviously
Amelia, If Only
Notable awards
William C. Morris Award: Best Young Adult Debut (2016)
National Book Award: Young People's Literature (2015)
Stonewall Book Award: Young Adult Books (2024)
Spouse Brian Albertalli
Children 2
Website
beckyalbertalli.com
Rebecca Albertalli (née Goldstein; born November 17, 1982)[1][2] is an American author of young adult fiction and former psychologist. She is known for her 2015 debut novel, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, which was adapted into the 2018 film Love, Simon and inspired the spin-off television series Love, Victor. Albertalli has subsequently published seven additional novel-length works of young adult fiction, along with 2020's novella Love, Creekwood, from which Albertalli has donated all proceeds to The Trevor Project.[3]
Life and career
Albertalli was born and raised in the Atlanta metropolitan area, with her sister Caroline and brother Sam, where she still lives with her husband, Brian, and two sons, Owen and Henry.[4] Albertalli was raised in a Reform Jewish household.[5] Albertalli attended Wesleyan University and majored in psychology, before moving to Washington, D.C., and earning her Doctor of Psychology degree from George Washington University.[1][6] In her psychological practice, she specialized in working with LGBTQ teens and gender nonconforming children. She worked as a psychologist until 2012—when her first son was born—and subsequently decided to try writing a novel.[7] Albertalli cites Australian author Jaclyn Moriarty as her primary inspiration in becoming a novelist.[8]
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez holding Albertalli's debut novel, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, in the United States House of Representatives
On April 7, 2015,[9] Albertalli's debut novel, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, was published.[10] A sequel to Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, titled Leah on the Offbeat, was released in 2018 and won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fiction.[11] In 2020, Albertalli released the third and final installment of the series, Love, Creekwood, described as an "epilogue."[12]
Additional works include The Upside of Unrequited, Love, Creekwood, and the What If It's Us duology, the latter of which she co-wrote with Adam Silvera. Movie rights to What If It's Us sold to Anonymous Content in 2018, with Brian Yorkey attached as screenwriter.[13] The film rights to The Upside of Unrequited were obtained by Shakespeare Sisters, a U.K. production company, in 2021.[14] That year, Albertalli released her next novel, Kate in Waiting.[15] In 2023, Albertalli published Imogen, Obviously, which became another New York Times best seller[16] and received acclaim from Kirkus Reviews,[17] Publishers Weekly,[18] Booklist,[19] and more. In 2024, Imogen, Obviously was named a Stonewall Honor Book.[20]
Personal life
In August 2020, Albertalli came out as bisexual in an essay responding to public figures who had criticized her for writing about gay characters as a presumed heterosexual. She stated that coming out was not an "attempt to neutralize criticism of [her] books" and asked her critics to acknowledge that "carelessness in these discussions has caused real harm".[21][22]
Bibliography
Simonverse
Main article: Simonverse
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (Balzer + Bray, 2015)
The Upside of Unrequited (Balzer + Bray, 2017)
Leah on the Offbeat (Balzer + Bray, 2018)
Love, Creekwood (Balzer + Bray, 2020)
Imogenverse
Imogen, Obviously (Balzer + Bray, 2023)[23]
Amelia, If Only (HarperCollins, 2025)[24][25]
What If It's Us
What If It's Us, co-written with Adam Silvera (HarperTeen, 2018)[26]
Here's To Us, co-written with Adam Silvera (HarperTeen/Balzer + Bray, 2021)[27]
Standalone works
Yes No Maybe So, co-written with Aisha Saeed (Balzer + Bray, 2019)[28]
Kate in Waiting (Balzer + Bray, 2021)[29]
Short essays
in Dear Heartbreak: YA Authors and Teens on the Dark Side of Love, edited by Heather Demetrios (Henry Holt, 2018)
Filmography
Year Title Director Screenwriters Based on Ref.
2018 Love, Simon Greg Berlanti Isaac Aptaker, Elizabeth Berger Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda [30]
Awards
2015 American Library Association's William C. Morris Award for Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda[31][32][33]
2015 National Book Award longlist for Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda[34]
2015 Goodreads Choice Award finalist for Best Debut Author for Albertalli[35] and Best Young Adult Fiction for Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda[36]
2015 Wall Street Journal Best Young Adult novel for Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda[37]
2016 Carnegie Medal nominee for Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda[38]
2016 Lambda Literary Award finalist for LGBT Children's/Young Adult for Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda[39]
2016 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults for Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda[40]
2017 German Youth Literature Prize for Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda[41]
2017 New York Public Library Best Books for Teens for The Upside of Unrequited[42]
2018 American Library Association's Rainbow List for The Upside of Unrequited[43]
2018 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Novel for Leah on the Offbeat[44]
2019 American Library Association's Rainbow Book List for Leah on the Offbeat and What If It's Us[45]
2020 New York Public Library Best Books for Teens for Yes No Maybe So[46]
2020 Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Best Young Adult Fiction for Yes No Maybe So[47]
2021 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults for Yes No Maybe So[48]
2021 Boston Public Library Best Young Adult Book for Kate in Waiting[49]
2022 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults for Kate in Waiting[50]
2023 School Library Journal Best Young Adult Book for Imogen, Obviously[51]
2023 Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Best Young Adult Fiction for Imogen, Obviously[52]
2023 Chicago Public Library Best Teen Fiction for Imogen, Obviously[53]
2024 American Library Association's Rainbow List for Imogen, Obviously[54]
2024 American Library Association's Stonewall Honor Book for Imogen, Obviously[20]
2024 New York Public Library Summer 2024 Picks for Teens for Sí, No, Tal Vez[55] (Spanish edition of Yes No Maybe So, translated by Francisco Vogt)
Q&A: Becky Albertalli, Author of ‘Amelia, If Only’
Mimi Koehler·Writers Corner·June 6, 2025·4 min read
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Hiya, Becky! Welcome back and thanks for taking the time to chat with us again! How are you and how has 2025 treated you so far?
Thanks for chatting with me—and thank you so much for supporting Amelia. I think 2025 has been rough for everyone I know, but I’m mostly surviving!
It’s been ten years since your debut novel Simon vs. The Homo-Sapiens Agenda was published – and changed the world of publishing. In a decade spanning not only loads of fanart, a hugely successful movie adaptation but also a whole spin-off series, how do you feel about Simon and his journey in the world?
It’s very surreal to know Simon’s been in the world for a full decade—in many ways, I still feel like I’m new to being an author! The last ten years have been a really beautiful, challenging, complicated ride. I know I’ve spoken online about the rough parts of my journey, but ultimately, I’m so grateful that book has resonated with so many people. And for better or for worse, I’ve learned a lot about myself!
The landscape of traditionally published queer books has changed so much over the last decade. What is something you love about the developments – and something you still wish for?
There has been visible, undeniable progress in queer publishing, particularly in YA. Honestly, it thrills me to see how many queer books are thriving, in both indie and traditional spaces. I’m so grateful to organizations like We Need Diverse Books—along with the passionate readers, librarians, booksellers, influencers, and publishing professionals who keep that momentum going. Obviously, there are many opportunities for growth, particularly when it comes to the visibility of queer stories by BIPOC and disabled authors. And I’d love to see more support for all kinds of trans stories–especially stories about trans girls and trans fem characters. In general, though, the number one resource I recommend to queer readers is author Dahlia Adler’s site, LGBTQreads.com. The site includes lists to search for queer books within specific age categories, genres, and types of representation.
Now, onto Amelia, If Only! What can readers expect?
Amelia, If Only is about a group of friends on a road trip across New York State, but it’s really a book about parasocial relationships and fandom. Amelia has a favorite YouTuber—a guy named Walter, who used to be part of a popular online duo with his best friend and collaborator, Hayden. There’s a whole lore behind Walter and Hayden, running the full gamut from relationship speculation to queerbaiting accusations. In Amelia, it was important to me to dig into the specific connection Amelia feels with Walter, but I also wanted to zoom out and explore the broader fandom dynamics that surround him.
What inspired you to write Amelia’s story? Were there any unexpected turns during the writing process?
So much of this book was inspired by my own experiences with parasocial relationships—from both directions. I’ve felt so connected to particular artists and content creators over the years, and I’ve had the very surreal experience of reaching people in that way with my books. I think the boundaries between social and parasocial can get a little fluid sometimes, and I’m fascinated by that complexity. During the writing process, I found myself really drawn to exploring the idea of the distance between private reality and public perception. When it comes to online personas, there’s often a story behind the story. That’s true for Walter, and it’s definitely been true for me.
If you had to summarize Amelia in one tweet, viral trend or fanfic tag – what would it be?
Oh my gosh, can I choose all of stan twitter?
You deliver many poignant insights about fandom in Amelia, If Only. What do you want readers to take away from Amelia, her connection to Walter and fandoms in general?
I don’t think there’s one specific message or insight I want readers to take away. Our fandom experiences are so personal, and they vary so widely. Mostly, I just tried to portray the dynamics I’ve observed as realistically as possible–partially filtered through Amelia, but with glimpses into Walter’s perspective, too.
Speaking of fandoms – you know I have to ask: What fandoms are you a part of at the moment and which have never let you go over the years?
Lately, I’ve been absolutely obsessed with Tui T. Sutherland’s middle grade series, Wings of Fire. My kids have been diehard fans for years, and they talked me into starting the audiobooks. Now I wake up every morning thinking about these dragons, and I’m deeply invested in their romantic lives and general well-being.
A fandom I’ve never moved on from (and never will)? Ann M. Martin’s The Baby-sitters Club. It’s legitimately a part of who I am, and always has been.
See also
Q&A: Stacey McEwan, Author of ‘A Forbidden Alchemy’
For our aspiring writers: Ae there any writing tips that have helped you and that you would recommend?
I probably always say this, but I really believe that the years I spent writing fanfiction were the best thing I did to improve my writing. So much of writing skill is developed simply by exercising that muscle—getting words on the page, even if you never post them online. And fanfiction in particular was helpful for me, because working with familiar characters gave me a target to shoot for when practicing characterization and voice.
With Amelia, If Only hitting the shelves, what is next for you? Are you already working on a new project and if so, can you share a bit about it with us?
I’m currently in the early stages of drafting my next YA book—unfortunately, I can’t say much about it yet. And I have a very cool publishing secret that will hopefully be announced within the next few weeks.
Last but not least, hit us with your book recommendations!
I have so many! A few recent favorites:
Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales
When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley
You Started It by Jackie Khalilieh
This Day Changes Everything by Edward Underhill
It’s You Every Time by Charlene Thomas
The Rebel’s Guide to Pride by Matthew Hubbard
Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
Becky Albertalli chats exploring parasocial relationships in Amelia, If Only
Becky Albertalli is back to chat her latest book, Amelia, If Only, with us and why she decided to explore parasocial relationships here.
By Tacye On Jun 24, 2025
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Becky Albertalli is here to grace our page one more with her presence. Last time she was here to chat with us about Imogen, Obviously and all the bi memes. This time, she’s here to chat Amelia, If Only, a YA book that explores parasocial relationships and online culture, and features great bi rep. And because the book is written by “chronically online” Becky (her words, not ours), you know it is good.
Amelia’s journey begins with her inviting her favorite YouTuber to prom. What inspired you to explore parasocial relationships in Amelia, if Only?
Parasocial relationships are really fascinating to me, because I’ve experienced them from both directions. I’ve been very parasocially connected to certain content creators, artists, and fellow authors (and even fictional characters)—but I’ve also had the somewhat surreal experience of being on the receiving end of parasocial energy. I think these dynamics can be really complex, and sometimes they’re more fluid than I’d initially expected. In Amelia, I particularly wanted to explore some of those gray areas. Where’s the line between parasocial and social? Can that line ever shift? How do public figures navigate the contradictions inherent to being both a person and a persona?
The novel is told with different media, including social media posts and “wiki” pages. What is it like writing those sections? Did you write them in separate writing sessions?
I had an absolute blast writing the social media snippets—it felt like I’d finally found the hidden purpose of all my years lurking on forums and going down online rabbit holes. For this story, I wrote the main Amelia road trip narrative first, and then I filled in the social media pieces later. But I’d already mapped out the lore in so much detail that these fictional conversations almost wrote themselves. Creating the many social media handles was a particular highlight for me—if you study them closely, you’ll find references to many of my favorite YA books and other pieces of media. I avoided accidentally using real people’s handles by making sure I violated the naming rules of each particular platform—so if a platform requires handles to be ten characters or fewer, I’d make sure my fictional ones had eleven. But I did slip in a few YouTuber friends’ real handles (with permission!).
People sometimes view fandom, shipping, and internet culture in such a negative way. Did it make writing Amelia, If Only feel more pressure because you need to do it justice, or even to defend it a little?
Fandom is such a rich, complicated world—no one piece of media could ever fully capture its nuances. For the fictional fandom in Amelia, I did my best to faithfully recreate the types of conversations I imagine would exist in this particular online world. It’s full of love, snark, sincerity, misinformation, obsession, and solidarity. For this story, it felt important to leave space for all those contradictions.
This book has such a chaotic gen Z energy and we mean it in the best way possible. How chronically online are you to capture that energy so well?
I’m an elder millennial, so this is actually the greatest compliment I’ve ever received. I am, unfortunately, extremely chronically online, and I’ve been at the center of enough queer discourse that I’m very, very familiar with its usual beats. I kind of love how this book turned out to be a very nostalgic, Simon and Garfunkel-infused road trip story, set in a hyper-online fandom discourse space. That contradiction really does feel like the heart of this book.
Again, loving the bi rep here. Since writing Imogen, Obviously, has your approach to bi rep changed in any way? How do you make sure each portrayal feels fresh and specific, while staying authentic?
Thank you so much! I think I have a strange relationship with the concept of representation. I recognize how critically important it is, as a person who grew up without very much of it. But I think it’s easy to box ourselves in—as writers and as people—by the idea of “good representation.” For my bi characters, I’m always trying to portray an experience that feels authentic to that particular character. I tend to draw heavily from my own experiences, but what feels authentic to us as readers is always going to be a bit subjective.
And finally, Imogen, Obviously fans are loving the cameos. Can you do more of this please?
I loved getting to spend a little extra time with Imogen, Tessa, and the gang! Close readers may also notice a tiny extra cameo from an Imogen, Obviously character participating in the discourse. And there may be a few surprise visits from characters from my previous books, too (along with a few characters from friends’ books!). Honestly, I live for easter eggs.
Albertalli, Becky AMELIA, IF ONLY Harper/HarperCollins (Teen None) $19.99 6, 10 ISBN: 9780063045927
A devoted teen leads her friends on a queer pilgrimage to a celebrity event (OK--more like a post-prom road trip to a YouTuber meet and greet).
Snarky, "chaotically bisexual" Amelia Applebaum has harbored a longtime parasocial obsession with recently-gone-viral YouTuber Walter Holland. Sure, he's a total stranger, but he's personally responded to her social media comments not once, but twice! As senior year comes to an end, Amelia drags her three best friends--Zora and twins Natalie and Mark--to a college campus in upstate New York, several hours' drive away from their home in Westchester, for an in-person event with Walter. Anxious about change, Amelia feels that this is an important swan song for her and her close-knit friend group before they leave for college in the fall. Amelia never expected that by showing up and meeting Walter in person, they'd end up roping him into their adventure, transforming him from unattainable crush to genuine friend. Meanwhile, her feelings for Natalie seem to be developing into something more. Albertalli creates a realistic microcosm of queer and Jewish teen culture with no shortage of her signature humor and clever snark (Amelia and Walter are white and Jewish, the Jewish twins have a Chinese dad and are implied biracial, and Zora, "the group's token gentile," is cued Black). The friends' banter is warm, endearing, and relatable.
Fresh and witty on the surface, tender and heartfelt at its core.(Fiction. 14-18)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Albertalli, Becky: AMELIA, IF ONLY." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Apr. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A835106582/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=9561d12c. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Amelia, If Only. By Becky Albertalli. June 2025. 304p. Harper, $19.99 (9780063045927). Gr. 9-12.
Amelia Applebaum is a truly chaotic bisexual teenage girl. After posting--and then deleting--a promposal video directed at her favorite YouTuber, Walter Holland, Amelia gathers her three best friends and embarks on a road trip across New York state to attend a meet-and-greet Walter is doing at Blackwell College. Along the way, she examines whether what she feels toward Walter is a crush or just your garden-variety parasocial friendship, especially because it's possible she already has a crush--and that Amelia stares at her every day. The novel is written in first-person narration that brilliantly portrays how Amelia's delightful brain works. Between chapters are ephemera of Reddit threads, video transcripts, and news articles showcasing how the world treats those it is parasocially invested in. Albertalli masterfully weaves together characters from Amelia's life with fan favorites from her previous work Imogen, Obviously (2023), but the focus is wholly on Amelia and her journey. Amelia is vibrant and easy to root for, and what she learns about parasocial relationships is impactful for all.--Karis Rogerson
HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Guess who's back? Albertalli's back, venturing into one of her previous worlds with more fun, chaotic queer romance and a relevant message for the social media age.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Rogerson, Karis. "Amelia, If Only." Booklist, vol. 121, no. 19-20, June 2025, p. 77. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A847198098/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=c0aca36d. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.