Get Real, Chloe Torres

Gr 9 Up–Chloe Torres turned 18 at the end of summer, and before heading off to art school, she’s determined to leave her mark. Caught in a constant state of wistful nostalgia, Chloe gets tickets to see her all-time favorite boy band. She hatches a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list–worthy plan: a road trip to Las Vegas with her two former best friends who once shared her intense, heart-thumping love for the band. When Sienna and Ramona agree to join her on the road trip, Chloe quickly realizes the fantasy she built in her head doesn’t match reality. As old memories resurface and tensions simmer, she’s forced to burst her dreamy bubble and confront the unresolved feelings she has for Sienna—and the painful truth about why everything fell apart after she kissed Ramona all those years ago. This Crossroads-inspired Latine story is bursting with perpetual sunshine. The strength of this book lies in its lighthearted storytelling and vibrant characters, especially Chloe, whose infectious, rose-colored energy captures the very essence of summer. Also noteworthy is the authentic ADHD representation, highlighting Chloe’s relatable struggles, alongside the evolving nature of female friendships, which can blur the line between fantasy and reality as they change over time. At its heart, this vibrant road trip romcom champions fat positivity, alongside a sapphic romance, Latine identities, and an unexpected love triangle.