“You can either let everything steal your joy, or realize the only thing in your control is your joy.”

This is a debut novel and one that captivated my attention from start to finish. I was actually sad when it ended and would loved to have spent more time with these well developed characters. Written in verse, this young adult book tells the story about the importance of community and the familiarity of having a place to socialize.

“…the violence of gentrification is usually silent.”

Jaelyn is dealing with a lot. She has a strained relationship with her dad, rent increases are putting a burden on her community, she is bickering with her bestie and she may have just stumbled upon a real relationship .. one worth taking a risk. On top of that, her beloved roller rink, WestSide Roll, has just announced they will be closing their doors for good. The rink holds a lot of memories and represents joy, freedom and positive gatherings.

“You might not be able to stop anything, but you can always control how you make up for what’s lost.”

I loved hearing about the roller rink. Growing up in the 80’s, I have fond memories of spending years at our local rink. I smiled every time Jaelyn would describe the layout, DJ booth, lights and various skating maneuvers. The coming-of-age romance was so darn sweet too. Trey was adorable and I enjoyed watching the two slowly develop a relationship.

The story was truly beautiful and lyrically told. I often found myself rereading passages and highlighting several quotes. I highly recommend for both YA and adult readers.

A YA novel that takes place at skating rink is time period than many teens don't have a visual reference to. But for me it was a throw back to my pre teen and teenage years. I think teens today will get a kick out of the retro of And the fact it's an own voices author makes it another reason for librarians to mention it to YA readers.

This was an Advanced Reader's Copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest reviw.

I walked away feeling like Under the Neon Lights was… fine, but not particularly memorable. I gave it 3 stars because it was paced well enough to keep me reading, but the emotional connection just wasn't there.

I appreciated the setup: a gritty urban setting, glimpses into nightlife glamor juxtaposed with darker undercurrents, and a protagonist who's skating between playing it safe and chasing something more. The premise—with its internal conflict and stark contrasts—had real potential. I do like the focus on the roller skating rink -- took me back to my days spent at a roller rink. Can we bring those days back now?

Yet after turning the last page, I realized that I didn’t feel much. The crescendo fell flat. Side characters felt somewhat one-dimensional, and their motivations didn’t always land. While the atmosphere was vivid at moments, it wasn’t enough to anchor the emotional weight of the story. It all felt a bit surface-level—like listening to a song I kind of liked but never felt compelled to replay.

Still, it's not a total miss. If you're into settings drenched in neon glow, flash and facade, and stories that lean more on mood than deep character exploration, this could hit the right notes for you. It just wasn’t the sort of ghost-light book I’ll end up recommending. It's also quite forgettable!

Under the Neon Lights is a beautifully written book in verse. I ended up listening to it as an audiobook, but even then you could tell it was poetic and not a typical book. Reading the written word was laid out like a poem and would likely take a bit getting used to. I will say, maybe because of the lyrical nature of the writing, that at times it felt very young or immature. Not necessarily in a bad way. Just in the way that the writing was so easy and simple, and easy to understand. That’s certainly not a bad thing, and in ways, made the story much more accessible.

This is a beautiful book about transitions, relationships, and the ways in which gentrification can terrorize a neighborhood. I appreciated Jaelyn’s character - she was shy and quiet, but really found herself on the skating rink floor. She could be loud in her movements. Over the course of the story, she was really about to find her voice and stand up for herself and the things that mattered to her.

I loved the insight into the skating community. I always wanted to be a roller derby girl but could never skate as an adult. I loved to see this space where folks, young and old, came together in joy to be with each other and in a space where they could be active and engaged with skating and the music. I didn’t expect the book would get to the point of Westside Roll closing down just at the midway point. So I didn’t understand where the book would go from there.

I do think the book was very short - it was over 300 pages, but because of the format, it wasn’t as much content. I think I would have liked more content, and to see more around the neighborhood, maybe even perspectives from Trey or Noe. Maybe it’s all the nature of poetry, which isn’t my go-to.

Overall, though, I did enjoy this book and the story. I would recommend it.

16 year old Jaelyn spends every Saturday night at the local roller skating rink. One Saturday she meets a boy there named Trey, and they start to spend more time together. When news that the rink is shutting down comes, she is devastated.

This is a novel written in verse, that flew by very quickly. I like that it had a heavy focus on community, and discussed gentrification as well. It also explored young love, absentee family members and changing friendships. I thought the romance was sweet, and I liked how it progressed as the story went on. I was left wanting more from the story though, and I can't quite but my finger on WHAT exactly, hence the 3 star rating.

I gave this a four out of five stars this was a story written in verse which I usually fly through and enjoy them as someone who enjoys poetry. This was a story about gentrification, its important to read stories about this, it happens all the time. I feel pain and hatred reading about it but knowing that this happens to communities and it's hard for anything to be done about it before of the people that money and power. The author did a great way of showing how it affected the people in the book. As someone who lives in Indianapolis where this takes place I was trying to find out if some of these places the characters spent time are real they definitely could be but just erased. The side of Indianapolis they lived I don't but the MMC where he lived is the city in where I work.

Such a cute and easy read. I loved the emphasis on community and culture. This read brought so much nostalgia with the skating rink setting. The poetry theme was very beautiful.

In this fun new YA novel written in verse, readers follow teenager Jaelyn Coleman who loves skating at WestSide Roll, her local roller rink where DJ Sunny plays and her favorite people meet up to skate. One Saturday, Jaelyn literally crashes into new skater Trey, who keeps finding reasons to run into her and spend time with her at a time when her best friend and estranged father are coming back into her life. When she discovers that WestSide Roll will be shutting down because of the gentrification in her predominantly Black Indianapolis neighborhood, Jaelyn and her community must rally together to celebrate the place while it lasts. A unique and fascinating debut novel, readers will love this novel about young Black love and coming of age. The characters are well-written and detailed, and the unique structure adds a fascinating layer to the already complex and entertaining story. The relationships between Jaelyn and Trey, Jaelyn and her father, and Jaelyn and her female relatives are particularly interesting and add a lot to her story and character development. Well-written, detailed, and character-centric, readers will love this fascinating and immersive new YA debut novel with a fascinating setting, strong emotional storyline, and great characters.

I haven't gotten a chance to finish this book yet, but I really like it! I'm about halfway through, and I'm hoping I can find it at another library or request it for my patrons. The characters are easy to root for, and as a child of divorced parents, it is very relatable. The verse comes across well in the digital format and makes the story a smooth read. As a white woman in the South, I did not know about African American skating culture, and I love that this book highlights that niche. I grew up in a skating rink, but it was never a cultural or community thing.

Arriel Vinson's Under the Neon Lights is a YA novel in verse that follows Jaelyn as she deals with her parent's divorce, the gentrification of her neighborhood, friendship struggles, first love, and her beloved roller rink closing.

Vinson portrays Jaelyn's life in a gorgeous verse, with words that have weight and lines with rhythms to mirror the story. This lyrical exploration is both unique to this one girl and also captures the essence of being a teenager in the midst of numerous sea changes.

Time is often shown as two countdowns, indicating both Jaelyn's big worry (the roller rink closing) and then, ultimately, to an event that brings her hope.

Amid the breathtaking poetry, timely plot, and exceptional character development are apt depictions of early relationships, friendship woes, and changing parental relationships. This ties in neatly with the novel's themes of forgiveness, self-advocacy, dealing with change, and facing gentrification. Yet these themes flow well within the narrative, connecting plot threads while advancing character growth.

Of particular note is Jae's role within her community, as she has many healthy relationships with folks in other generations, from kids to adults to elders. Jae struggles with seeing her neighborhoods change, especially as the creep of gentrification makes her feel unwelcome in her home. From store owners mistreating her and other Black customers to an increased police presence to losing her beloved Westside Roll, Jae's area is changing faster than she keep up.

And yet, she finds home. Builds new spaces. Continues to not only exist in this spaces, but show she belongs. Jae's journey to standing up for herself and allowing herself to take up space is a beautiful one.

Vinson captures the essence of summer and the heartbeat of a community, all through the eyes of one quiet teen learning to take up space.

Special thanks to the author, Penguin/Putnam, and NetGalley for a digital ARC such that I could share my honest opinion.

Under the Neon Lights is now available.

Happy reading!

Arriel Vinson's "Under the Neon Lights" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of life in the city. It challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and the connections they form, all while painting a vivid picture of a world bathed in the glow of neon. The story offers a timeless reminder of the beauty and complexity of human experience.

I adore novels in verse! I loved the roller skate love in this one. Won’t lie - the cover drew me in. 🛼 Jaelyn lives to skate. The roller rink is second home to her and it’s the one connection she has in common with both of her parents. But when the owner of Westside Roll announces he’s closing up shop, Jaelyn is devastated. Skating in the tennis courts or at another rink is just not the same. As Jaelyn tries to define herself without her weekly skating routine, her neighborhood tries to keep its identity despite soaring rent prices and gentrification trying to force them all out. Can Jaelyn come to terms with her new reality while starting a new relationship (based on skating) and maintain her old friendship with Noe while everything around her seems to be changing?

What I loved most: the end of the novel where Jaelyn and her friends stage an epic event, the social commentary, the beauty of the words on the page.

Title: Under the Neon Lights
By: Arriel Vinson
Pub. Day: June 3, 2025

Genre:
Young Adult, Coming of Age, Novel in Verse, Poetry

Recommended Ages:
8th grade and/or 14 and up

Content:
Discrimination, Race, Drug and Alcohol Use, Language, Mild Sexual Content, Violence

Summary:
Westside Roll is the hangout spot for Jaelyn, where she can lose herself and worries in the music and skate her life away! It’s where she first falls in love and where the community comes alive. But everything changes when a developer buys the beloved land the roller rink is on… Now what? Can Jaelyn and her tight-knit town hold onto the place that means so much to them, or will they lose it for good? Will they give up, or rise up to fight for what matters most?

Review:
WOW!

What a beautifully written debut novel in verse!

I was completely drawn in by the fast-paced, engaging plot. I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one sitting. The characters are so well-developed and relatable. I know many of my students would see parts of themselves in these shared experiences. While the story does focus on first love, and relationships, it doesn’t shy away from the heavy realities of discrimination, what stayed with me most were the powerful themes of unity, belonging, and the strength found in community. It’s those messages that make this novel truly unforgettable.

Thank you to Arriel Vinson, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my personal review.

#UndertheNeonLights
#PenguinGroup
#PenguinYoungReadersGroup
#G.P.PutnamlsSonsBooksforYoungReaders
#Advancedreadercopies
#ReluctantReaderReads
#NetGalley
#ARC

Jaelyn lives, breathes, dreams roller skating at her local rink. It’s the place that gives her space, lets her spread her wings, and allows her heart and soul sing. But life is about to change and Jae has to learn who she is without the rink and what truly makes her her. Arriel Vinson’s debut novel in verse is a beautiful ode about growing up and being yourself even when faved with challenges.

This book brought back so memories for me. The book may be for today’s audience but it’s very nostalgic and I clearly remember all the times I hung out at the mall and skating rink. Under The Neon Lights is a book about culture and community. More importantly, it’s about friends and family and the hopes and fears that connects us all. I loved the scenes inside the skating rink and at the tennis courts. They were very descriptive and I almost see myself joking in. The only downfall was the many pop culture references but it wasn’t enough to take way a star.

Under the Neon Lights is a raw, poetic exploration of identity, place, and longing. Vinson's voice is powerful, and the narrative pulses with emotion, capturing the beauty and grit of urban life through vivid, lyrical prose. The writing style is stunning—lyrical without being overworked. Vinson paints each scene with emotional clarity, making the characters feel deeply real.

I love books that are novels in verse, but this uses that literary format so well! From unique poetic structure to blacked out pages that reveal a new element to the poem, this book was truly meant to be a novel in verse. The roller rink as a microcosm for the larger gentrification of the neighborhood was also so well done. There is a lot to think about here besides a meaningful story! (Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC) #yaread #gentrification #comingofage #blackvoices #debutblackauthor #yanewrelease

This was such a good read!
I don’t usually read books in verse and this convinced me I need to do so more.
The topics and themes covered made this book feel so perfect for young adults going through so many new experiences and transitions, as they grow. It would have definitely been nice to have this when I was younger. I also appreciated how much this book made me want to rewatch Forever, on Netflix.

I LOVE a novel in verse. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
Under the Neon Lights is about 16 year old Jae. She loves roller skating, and how her and her community can be themselves at the local roller rink. Until it announces its closing down.

This novel is about friendship, family, growing up and all the changes that come along with it, and accepting love and falling in love.

This was such a lovely YA novel in verse, if you’re a fan of that style I think you’ll love this!!

The descriptions of the skating rink were so perfect. My memories of going skating and the sounds, smells, the stickiness in the air, all of that, came springing back to life in my head as I read this book. The descriptions of the music let you know what’s going on without ever slowing down the story. I felt like I was right there with Jae.

What’s really awesome, too, is that the story paints the picture of the skating rink as this hub for community. It’s a space where people gather and celebrate music, relationships, and the joy of roller skating. I loved every one of those scenes.

The story also makes space to explore the ways that relationships change. Sometimes things break, and we don’t know how to fix them. Sometimes people let us down. And sometimes people change. Figuring out when to fight or confront versus when to let things go is not easy, and Jae faces several complex choices in her relationships.

Jae also lives in a town that’s facing increasing gentrification. It’s no the theme of the story. This isn’t a book about mobilizing the community to stop what’s happening. It’s about figuring out how to be who you are in an ever-changing world, and how to hold onto the things that matter to you even when the world keeps changing. There are some great moments in which Jae calls out gentrification and acknowledges the harm it’s causing. So while it’s not a story that centers on saving the skating rink, it does address the impact of the closure on the community.

I was engaged from the first page to the last. The verse lines move quickly, drawing our attention to the perfect amount of detail and creating a rich emotional story. I cannot wait to see what the author writes next.