Oct
10
12:00am
Skylit: Everything Within and In Between by Nikki Barthelmess, with Laura Taylor Namey
By Skylight Books
Everything Within and In Between (HarperTeen)
Color Me In meets I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter in Everything Within and In Between, a deeply honest coming-of-age story about reclaiming a heritage buried under assimilation, the bonds within families, and defining who you are for yourself.
For Ri Fernández’s entire life, she’s been told, “We live in America and we speak English.” Raised by her strict Mexican grandma, Ri has never been allowed to learn Spanish.
What’s more, her grandma has pulled Ri away from the community where they once belonged. In its place, Ri has grown up trying to fit in among her best friend’s world of mansions and country clubs in an attempt try to live out her grandmother’s version of the “American Dream.”
In her heart, Ri has always believed that her mother, who disappeared when Ri was young, would accept her exactly how she is and not try to turn her into someone she’s never wanted to be. So when Ri finds a long-hidden letter from her mom begging for a visit, she decides to reclaim what Grandma kept from her: her heritage and her mom.
But nothing goes as planned. Her mom isn’t who Ri imagined she would be and finding her doesn’t make Ri’s struggle to navigate the interweaving threads of her mixed heritage any less complicated. Nobody has any idea of who Ri really is—not even Ri herself.
Everything Within and In Between is a powerful new young adult novel about one young woman’s journey to rediscover her roots and redefine herself from acclaimed author Nikki Barthelmess.
Nikki Barthelmess is an author of young adult books, including The Quiet You Carry, Quiet No More, and her new novel, Everything Within and in Between. While growing up in foster care, Nikki found solace in books and writing. A former journalist, Nikki lives in sunny Santa Barbara with her husband, daughter, and diva of a corgi. When not reading or working on her books, Nikki loves advocating for the rights of current and former foster youth, jogging near the beach, and trying to convince her abuelita that feminism means it’s okay that her husband does all the cooking.
Laura Taylor Namey is the New York Times bestselling author of Reese’s Book Club pick A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, and The Library of Lost Things. A proud Cuban-American, she can be found hunting for vintage treasures and wishing she was in London or Paris. She lives in San Diego with her husband and two children. This former teacher writes young adult novels featuring quirky teens learning to navigate life and love. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from the University of San Diego and is the winner of the Peggy Miller Award for excellence in young adult fiction. Her third novel is forthcoming from Atheneum Simon and Schuster fall 2021.
Praise for Everything Within and In Between:
"Barthelmess’ story thoughtfully explores intergenerational cultural dynamics and racial microaggressions as it follows Ri on her journey of self-discovery. An honest and engaging narrative." -Kirkus Reviews
“A relatable, compelling, and powerful story that offers a way forward, a way to reclaim and redefine one’s self.” -Randy Ribay, author of the National Book Award finalist Patron Saints of Nothing
“An earnest and heartfelt look at biracial identity, complicated family dynamics, and the discovery of awho we are and who we hope to become.” -Crystal Maldonado, author of Fat Chance, Charlie Vega
“A hopeful coming-of-age story about new friendships, first love, and figuring out how to bridge two worlds. It's a tender novel that glimmers with all of the wonder of self-discovery.” -Monica Gomez-Hira, author of Once Upon a Quinceañera
“A moving story about family, the challenges facing biracial teens, and the importance of forgiveness.” -Ismée Williams, author of This Train Is Being Held
"A stunning story about having faith in oneself, one’s friends, and one’s family. Ri and all the people she loves are so real and full of heart that it’s impossible not to root for them" -Samantha Mabry, author of Tigers, Not Daughters
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