Inspired by YA debut author K. Ibura’s own upbringing in New Orleans, this is a beautifully written and lyrical contemporary novel with magical elements. Perfect for fans of A Song Below Water and Shadowshaper.
After her parents passed away in Hurricane Katrina, Veronique (a.k.a. V) moved to her MawMaw’s house in the Louisiana countryside. MawMaw always said that Veronique needed to hide her control and power over the wind, but one day, she has to use it to save a neighbor’s son from drowning. To protect Veronique, her MawMaw immediately sends her to live with an aunt in New Orleans.
But NOLA is nothing like Veronique could have imagined—she’s finally attending traditional school, she gets to bond with cousins that she’s never met, and she even rides on her first highway. Though she quickly falls in with a group of friends at school—and one boy who she’d like to be more than her friend—there’s also a higher risk of discovery in the city. When one of her cousin's friends figures out the truth, V learns about a secret organization called the Vaunted, a group that comes after people with elemental magic and recruits them for their own environmental rebellion.
Now that Veronique is on their radar, the Vaunted is closing in quickly, and V is forced on the run to hide from their sinister intentions. V’s left with two major questions: Can she trust anyone? And will she ever get a chance to be a normal girl again?
Topics Coming of age. Magic (ability). High school. Family. Secret society. Secrets. Louisiana.
Trim Size 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
JLG Span Fall
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2025-06-23
JLG Release Date Oct 2025
Minimum grade 9
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
High Demand High Plus (Grades 9 & Up)
High Demand High Plus
High Demand High Plus (Grades 9 & Up)
For Grades 9 & Up
This collection features high-interest fiction titles that teens are excited to read right now. Selected for strong hooks, engaging storytelling, and broad appeal, these books span a range of popular fiction genres and often include widely read or in-demand authors.
Discrimination: Racial Insensitivity/Racism,Language: Racial or Ethnic Epithet/Slur,Language: Strong Language,Sexual Content: Mild Sexual Content/Themes,Violence: General