Positive

Positiva is a powerful and inspiring book about a teenager finding her place in the world and learning to live her truth.

Simone Garcia-Hampton is at a new school, and this time things are going to be different. She's making real friends, involved with the theater group, and interested in Miles, the guy who makes her melt just by looking at her. The last thing Simone wants is for anyone to know she has HIV, because last time... well, last time, things got ugly. Keeping her viral load under control is easy, but keeping the diagnosis a secret isn't so simple. When Simone and Miles start dating—and shy kisses turn into something more—the feelings go far beyond butterflies. She knows she needs to come clean, but she's afraid of how he'll react. Until she finds an anonymous note in her locker: either she stops hanging out with Miles, or the whole school will know she's HIV-positive. Simone's first instinct is to protect her secret at all costs, but as she comes to better understand the roots of prejudice and fear in her community, she begins to wonder if the only way to overcome it all might be to face her enemies head on...

Powerful and inspiring, Positiva will please fans of Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon.

“It successfully addresses discrimination through the lens of race, sexuality, and HIV, but also shows the possibility of living fully despite it all... A story about speaking your truth, your way.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Readers will root for the likable Simone in this debut that takes a candidly positive approach to sex.” — Publishers Weekly

“Exciting, funny and sex-positive, a stunning debut from a teenage writer.” — The Guardian

“Everyone can learn something from this novel... Readers will fall in love.” — School Library Journal

“Romantic, funny, hopeful, and without a shadow of a doubt real.” — Becky Albertalli, author of Love, Simon

“The YA romance of the year, the one everyone should be talking about.” — Shondaland

“A generous love letter to inclusion, bravery, and acceptance, Positive is a marvel of a book.” — Kathleen Glasgow, author of Girl in Pieces

“Despite dealing with a heavy subject, the book remains light and humorous, while still engaging with real emotions.” — Today Show

“Perhaps the most remarkable thing Garrett achieves... is her sensitive portrayal of people who are often rendered invisible not just in YA literature, but in life. And she manages to write quite a novel while doing it.” — Entertainment Weekly

"Simone is a deeply captivating and attentive narrator who is also full of teenage doubts. A bold and bold debut, sometimes jaw-dropping." — The Financial Times

“A warm, optimistic novel that aims to destigmatize the condition [of HIV-positive status] and marks Garrett as a writer to watch.” — The Irish Times