Synopsis

Booksmart meets Phantom of the Megaplex

A sapphic story of first love, processing grief, coming of age, and academic stress.

Rochelle “the Shell” Coleman is determined to become valedictorian, get into Wharton, and outdo her academic rival, Amira Rodriguez. But her college application lacks one thing: a job. When Rochelle lands a position at Horizon Cinemas, the local Black-owned movie theater, she’s forced to work alongside Amira—who’s also her boss. As the two spend more time together, Rochelle begins to see Amira in a new light. But when strange events threaten the theater’s future, Rochelle and Amira must team up to uncover the mystery—and perhaps find love along the way.

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About the Author

Zakiya N. Jamal was born in Queens, raised in Long Island, and currently resides in Brooklyn. In other words, she’s a New Yorker through and through. She holds a BA in English from Georgetown University and an MFA in creative writing with a concentration in writing for children and young adults from the New School.

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