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From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

Seventeen-year-old Neon (Black) is standing in the bathroom at his girlfriend, Aria’s, house, excited and nervous about their plans for the evening: to have sex for the first time. From this opening scene, the story spins back in time—first 24 seconds from that moment, then 24 days, 24 weeks, 24 months—all the way back to when he and Aria (Black) first met. All of the good and bad and awkward and affirming conversations that Nee has had with people in his life (mom, dad, older sister, friends) about sex and relationships play out. So, too, do details of his and Aria’s relationship. There’s clear trust and love and respect between them, and the decision to have sex is one they’ve come to mutually, even as their future is uncertain (Nee feels college is not for him; Aria already has scholarship offers). Throughout the story, as senior year winds down, Nee is working on a project for his class’s digital yearbook, asking classmates to sum up high school in three words—their answers (like the conversations Nee has had about sex) are insightful, funny, and surprising. Then the story returns to where it started, in that bathroom, and Nee opens the door. “We pull each other. Me and Aria. Meet in the middle. Of ourselves. As ourselves.”

CCBC Choices 2025 © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison, 2025. Used with permission.

From Horn Book

January 1, 2025
Seventeen-year-old Neon is in his girlfriend Aria's bathroom, wracked with anxiety because, for the two of them, "tonight is for our first time." Twenty-four seconds earlier, he was rushing to the bathroom and shutting the door. Twenty-four minutes before that, he arrived at Aria's house. And twenty-four hours before that...and so on. The unusual narrative device drops readers immediately into the action and then zooms out to contextualize the moment, introducing a fully realized, frequently hilarious cast of characters who offer advice on sex and relationships. Neon's mother, for example, who has no reservations about loudly discussing pleasure and masturbation with her son -- in a crowded diner. His grandmother, who, while telling stories about her deceased husband, advises that "a little imperfection takes the edge off things." And his well-intentioned friend Dodie, whose explanation of foreplay includes attention to "what he called the...volvo." Their guidance (aside from Dodie's, naturally) and obvious love for Neon has helped shape him into an attentive and respectful boyfriend; there's no betrayal or big interpersonal conflict here. Instead, this is, in Neon's words, "a special, regular story where two people meet and help each other make something beautiful, at the risk of making a mess." The simple plot is balanced by Neon's narration, which sparkles with rhythm and wordplay. Rachel L. Kerns

(Copyright 2025 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From School Library Journal

Starred review from November 1, 2024

Gr 9 Up-Reynolds's grew-up-together BFF Lockard provides another revelatory performance, this time centering teen love-but also consent, bodily autonomy, and (hello, book banners!) sex positivity. Neon and Aria have been together for 24 months. Their relationship is about to change significantly in those titular 24 seconds-if Neon can calm his nerves and exit the bathroom back to Aria. Reynolds magically rolls back time-24 minutes, 24 hours, 24 days-to trace the duo's meet-cute to solid couplehood, while also accentuating their multi-dimensional individuality. Listeners also get to meet their families and friends. Lockard ensures each character is wholly memorable: "don't bring no babies home" dad, few-filters mom, and fast-talking buddy Dodo prove particularly unforgettable. VERDICT Lockard narrates this novel, yes, but he also charms, laughs, cringes, growls, hopes, sings, and gloriously preaches to create another captivating one-man show.

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From School Library Journal

Starred review from October 1, 2024

Gr 9 Up-Reynolds is back with his first romance novel, a heartwarming story about first loves and first times, told in reverse. Twenty-four months ago, Neon Benton first laid eyes on Aria Wright, looking fine in her sweatpants, T-shirt, and ponytail, after being chased away from his grandpa's funeral by her dog. Fast forward two years and Neon finds himself locked in Aria's bathroom, stressing about the correct way to open a condom and the intricacies of how to unhook a bra, because 24 seconds from now, they are going to, you know. In between, their relationship unfolds in a series of moments and important conversations. Neon seeks advice from all the important people in his life: his energetic friend Dodie, his older sister Nat, and his caring and up-front parents. The romance of these two Black teenagers is told openly and honestly. Neon takes such care in wanting to do right by Aria. The conversations with his parents are stand-out moments in the story, as Neon navigates his own feelings and the fervor of wanting to do things right. Reynolds has single-handedly set the standard for all young women on the type of guy they deserve. VERDICT A present-day Judy Blume's Forever, this novel has been set up by its author to become a modern classic.-Amanda Harding

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Booklist

Starred review from September 15, 2024
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Reynolds' foray into romance is as spectacular as expected. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, a nervous Neon is preparing for his first time with his girlfriend, Aria. He's full of (understandable) nerves, and there are sparse details that explain how he got to this point. Following his 24-second pep talk in the mirror, the chapters turn to the past rather than the future. Readers are treated to Neon's past two years by exploring 24 minutes before the moment, 24 days before the moment, and so on. In this format, the reader gradually gets to know Neon, his values, and his family life while better understanding his relationship with Aria. This structure makes for a unique read. Reynolds' ability to introduce characters in reverse and make them compelling is a testament to the author's skill. Readers of his previous works will easily lose themselves in the author's writing and complicated characters. While Neon's relationship with Aria is highlighted during a pivotal point, Reynolds pays tribute to many different kinds of love stories and doesn't shy away from the messiness of love; instead, the author's exploration is grounded in reality. Undoubtedly, a story for everyone.High-Demand Backstory: Jason Reynolds is a household name in the youth literature arena, and that alone will garner this plenty of attention.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Kirkus

Starred review from August 15, 2024
Two high school seniors anticipate a big change in their relationship. Neon Benton and Aria Wright have been a couple for two years. They're planning to take a huge step in their relationship, and while they have a plan, Neon is battling a serious case of nerves. Fortunately, he's close to his older sister, Nat, and leans on her for advice. He also finds himself reflecting on the journey that led the two of them to this moment--readers learn of Neon's close ties with his no-nonsense mother, his affectionate, hardworking dad, and his grandmother (who's still grieving the death of his grandfather). Aria's family life is a bit more complicated, since she's the only nonmusical household member, and her relationship with her mother is somewhat strained. Amid family, school, and yearbook club, moving toward more physical intimacy takes center stage for the Black teens. The fact that Aria will be heading away for college while Neon stays home to earn money for film school is another factor. Setting aside anticipation and apprehension, the couple have a bond that is clearly of paramount importance to them. This rich, tender story captures the range of emotions surrounding emerging love and what they mean in the lives of young people. Neon narrates with clarity, sensitivity, and humor. The wonderfully developed cast of characters (both adults and teens), lively language, and the clever flashbacks contribute to the freshness of the storytelling. A warm, heartfelt, and fully engaging portrayal of teen love.(Romance. 14-18)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Publisher's Weekly

Starred review from July 22, 2024
Reynolds (Long Way Down) astounds in a sweetly hilarious story of two Black teens preparing to take a huge first step in their relationship. Twenty-four seconds before this book's start, 17-year-old Neon Benton and Aria, his girlfriend of two years, were kissing on Aria's bed. Now, Neon is hiding in Aria's bathroom, lamenting the complications of opening a condom and unlatching a bra as he nervously anticipates their "first time." In frank stream-of-consciousness prose, Reynolds rewinds the teens' heartfelt romance to showcase its development in reverse: 24 hours before, Neon was avoiding his homework by scrolling through videos he'd recorded of his classmates. And 24 days earlier, Neon was strolling the neighborhood with Gammy and the family dog, Denzel Jeremy Washington. As events roll backward, Neon has conversations with numerous richly wrought supporting characters, including his effervescent musician friend Dodie and his open and loving sister Nat, all of whom regale Neon with their thoughts on sex and love (with varying degrees of embarrassment and enlightenment for Neon). Sex-positive messaging encourages vulnerability in personal exploration as well as open conversations about bodily autonomy and consent. Authentically tapping into the way teens think, Reynolds delivers a mighty exaltation to Black love in this moving story of one boy's growth and the community that fosters it. Ages 14—up. Agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties.

From AudioFile Magazine

Guy Lockard narrates this fresh and funny novel from Jason Reynolds. Told from the perspective of 17-year-old Neon, the novel moves backward over Neon's past 24 months. As he prepares to celebrate his anniversary with his girlfriend, Aria, he reflects on everything that has happened since they first met. From work to school to family, Neon's life is average but warm and loving. Reynolds uses a stream-of-consciousness style to showcase Neon's creativity and intelligence. Lockard's deep, resonant voice is expressive and full of humor that fits Neon's youth and the bright banter between Neon and his friends. This contemplative novel is a joyful celebration of young love. C.R. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine