Intentions

Rachel thought she was grown up enough to accept that no one is perfect. Her parents argue, her grandmother has been acting strangely, and her best friend doesn't want to talk to her. But none of that could have prepared her for what she overheard in her synagogue's sanctuary.

Now Rachel's trust in the people she loves is shattered, and her newfound cynicism leads to reckless rebellion. Her friends and family hardly recognize her, and worse, she can hardly recognize herself. But how can the adults in her life lecture her about acting with kavanah, intention, when they are constantly making such horribly wrong decisions themselves? This is a witty, honest account of navigating the daunting line between losing innocence and entering adulthood—all while figuring out who you really want to be.

Praise for Charles and Emma:

"The author unfolds a sympathetic and illuminating account."—Publishers Weekly, Starred

"With great empathy and humor, this is a timely, relevant book that works on several levels."—Horn Book Magazine, Starred

"This is well sourced and may attract a wider audience than those interested in science."—Booklist, Starred

"Come for the science, stay for the love story."—The Bulletin, Starred

A YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Winner; a Michael L. Printz Honor Book; a National Book Awards Finalist; a CCBC Choice; a Booklist Top 10 Romances for Youth; a Texas TAYSHAS Reading List Nominee; a New York Times Notable Children's Book; a School LibraryJournal Best Book of the Year, a Bulletin Blue Ribbon, and a Horn Book Fanfare.