Hearts unbroken
(Book)

"Hesci. Herein, a few words and sentences are written in Mvskoke, the language of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Okmulgee, Oklahoma. A glossary is included on page 295." -- Title page verso.

When Louise Wolfe's boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. She'd rather spend her senior year with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, an ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper's staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director's inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey. But 'dating while Native' can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey's? -- adapted from jacket.

"Lou just dumped her first boyfriend for mocking native people. Now the editors of the school newpaper have paired her with Joey, a new photo/video staffer who's had some relationship woes of his own. They soon find themselves tackling Story of the Year: the school musical's director faces parental blacklash over her inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz. Anonymous threats, blackmail, and bullying affects teachers, parents, students, and most of all, cast members--including Lou's little brother. As the conflict heats up, so does a romance between Lou and Joey. But she's Native and he's Lebanese-American, and in their mostly white, middle-class suburb, being the Other can get complicated fast."--Back cover.

Ages 14 and up.

American Indian Youth Literature Award, Young Adult, 2020