Just Our Luck — Julia Walton

In the spirit of Dear Evan Hansen comes a witty, uplifting story about a Greek American boy who, while overcoming anxiety and stifling masculinity norms, finds love and friendship in unlikely places.

"Bad luck follows lies."

That was the first rule for life that Leo's Greek grandmother, Yia Yia, gave him before she died. But Leo's anxiety just caused a fight at school, and though he didn't lie, he wasn't exactly honest about how it all went down--how he went down. Now Leo's father thinks a self-defense class is exactly what his son needs to "man up." But Leo would much rather knit, crochet, or take photographs instead. Still, he obliges.

"Leave the Paros family alone."

That was Yia Yia's second rule for life. But who does Leo see sitting at the front desk of the local gym? Evey Paros, great grand-daughter to the woman who supposedly cursed his family with bad luck. Seeing as Leo is desperate to enroll in anything but self-defense class, Evey cuts him a deal: she'll secretly enroll him in hot yoga instead--for a price. But what could the brilliant, ruthless, forbidden Evey Paros want from Leo?

Sharp as a needle and compulsively readable, Just Our Luck is as funny as it is heartwarming. Readers will root for Leo as he picks up the threads of his life and takes charge of his own destiny.