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Upcoming YA Rom-Com Sparks Excitement
Authors Kwame Mbalia and Erin Entrada Kelly, known for their notable accolades including the Coretta Scott King Honor and Newbery Medal respectively, have joined forces to create a new young adult romantic comedy that promises to be both heartwarming and amusing.
Titled On Again, Awkward Again, the novel follows two first-year high school students, Pacy Mercado and Cecil Holloway, as they navigate the often messy and awkward world of young love. Set to be released in April 2025 by Abrams Children’s Books, the novel has garnered attention with a substantial first printing of 150,000 copies. The colorful cover, designed by Micah Fleming, is being showcased for the first time in conjunction with the announcement.
Before embarking on this collaborative project, both authors developed a mutual admiration for each other’s work while attending various literary conferences. Reflecting on their decision to team up, Kelly noted, “We realized we could create a rom-com that highlights humor rather than angst. Our interactions are filled with laughter, which felt like the perfect foundation for this story.”
The creative process was rooted in their individual strengths. Kelly, who focuses on character development, crafted Pacy as a relatable figure devoid of peer-related angst. In contrast, Mbalia took charge of plot progression, stating, “My approach begins with building the narrative framework. Erin, meanwhile, infuses her characters with a depth that makes readers truly connect with them.”
Both authors expressed their initial concerns regarding the writing process, but their existing rapport facilitated collaboration. “Kwame provided a detailed outline which streamlined our meetings,” Kelly explained, discussing their efficient and organized approach to writing chapters.
Reflecting on their teenage years, the authors channeled their own formative experiences into their characters. Kelly pointed out that at 14, emotions feel overwhelmingly intense. “While adults can dismiss these feelings, for teens, they are genuinely significant,” she remarked. They both mined their memories of first crushes and burgeoning love to create authentic representations in the book.
Although school dynamics have transformed over the years since their adolescence, the feelings tied to early romantic experiences remain relatable. Mbalia recounted a humorous mishap from his youth: “I thought I was impressing my crush with a casual greeting but ended up causing a spectacle instead.” Such anecdotes underscore the universal truth of adolescent experiences.
The authors deliberately crafted the book to resonate with middle school readers transitioning to young adult literature. “We intentionally left out explicit content,” Kelly said, aiming to create an accessible narrative for younger audiences while maintaining authenticity. Mbalia echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of light-hearted stories amidst the often heavy themes prevalent in young adult reading lists.
Maggie Lehrman, the associate publisher at Abrams Children’s Books, praised the collaboration, highlighting the authors’ ability to weave humor and vulnerability in their storytelling. “This book captures both the excitement and the hilarity of young love and celebrates individuality,” she said.
Fleming, the cover designer, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, explaining how she embraced vibrant designs to reflect the characters’ personalities and the narrative’s tone. “It was a joy to visualize their world in such a colorful way,” she said.
Through On Again, Awkward Again, the authors aim to evoke laughter and joy. Mbalia hopes to connect with readers on a humorous level, saying, “I wish for readers to experience laughter that brings them to tears. My goal is for Pacy and Cecil to remind everyone that being uniquely themselves is what will lead them to friendship and love.”
On Again, Awkward Again by Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia. Abrams, $19.99 Apr. 15, 2025 ISBN 978-1-4197-7563-5
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