Malinda Lo (1) (1974–)

Perfectly readable queer coming of age in San Francisco. Easy recommend, tons of great history but never feels stodgy or overwhelming. The human element is always prioritized.

Gr 9 Up—As Lily, a Chinese American teen living in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1950s, starts to think more
seriously about her professional future, a friendship with white classmate Kathleen grows into romance. This novel
about first love, sexuality, intersectionality, and self-actualization is meticulously researched and deeply felt.

I liked this book.
I borrowed it from the library without realizing it is a YA title, but it is for older teens and held my interest. I felt the mother was a very interesting character when her story was told, but she became somewhat 2-dimensional after she had children. It was interesting to read about the time period and social currents in San Francisco.

The pacing is strange, but I guess that's life for you. I think I was a little disappointed by everything that happened once R and D step off the plane at the end. But WHY do the aliens want to give humans those powers?? WHY?????? Also, I'm here for alien ex-girlfriends, less here for mind reading ~mysterious powerful connections~ with boys, but that's a personal bias.