All the Yellow Suns book launch
Malavika Kannan, in conversation with Kuhoo Verma
"An achy, stunning coming-of-age story about activism and identity, family and belonging." — Teen Vogue
Please join us as we welcome Malavika Kannan and Kuhoo Verma to celebrate the launch of All the Yellow Suns, a YA novel and coming-of-age story about a queer Indian American girl exploring activism and identity through art.
Sixteen-year-old Maya Krishnan is fiercely protective of her friends, immigrant community, and single mother, but she knows better than to rock the boat in her conservative Florida suburb. Her classmate Juneau Zale is the polar opposite: she’s a wealthy white heartbreaker who won’t think twice before capsizing that boat. And yet, as tension mounts at their racist high school, the girls become unlikely allies in activism and art.
When Juneau invites Maya to join the Pugilists--a secret society of artists, vandals, and mischief-makers who fight for justice at their school--Maya descends into the world of change-making and resistance. Soon, she and Juneau forge a friendship that inspires Maya to confront the challenges in her own life.
But as their relationship grows romantic, painful, and twisted, Maya begins to suspect that there's a whole different person beneath Juneau's painted-on facade. Now Maya must learn to speak her truth in this mysterious, mixed-up world--even if it results in heartbreak.
"Kannan's language is as magical as the story she weaves. This book, with its vibrant world and infectious heroine, is sure to enchant its readers." —Amanda Gorman, Poet Laureate of the United States
“A celebration of storytelling by a sparkling new voice who is bound to be a star.” —Roshani Chokshi, NYT bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves
Paste Magazine's Most Anticipated LGBTQ YA Books of Summer 2023
Malavika Kannan (she/her) writes about Gen Z and identity for Teen Vogue, the Washington Post, Refinery29, Electric Literature, and elsewhere. She grew up in Central Florida and currently attends Stanford University. Malavika invites you to visit her online at malavikakannan.com or @malavika.kannan on Instagram.
Kuhoo Verma (she/her) is a NYC based artist who revels in works made for diverse audiences. You can see Kuhoo as the lead of Hulu’s film Plan B, streaming now. She previously starred in Dave Malloy’s Octet at the Signature Theatre (Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, Drama Desk Award for Best Ensemble). She also enjoys workshopping new musicals and doing operas in Paris!
This event was originally taking place at Yu & Me Books in Chinatown. On Tuesday their upstairs neighbor had a fire and as a result the store is closed while they recover. In the fire, the majority of their books and equipment were destroyed and the building requires gut renovation.
They are raising money to rebuild their store and keep their employees cared for. Book sales and donations at this event will aid in that effort and we also encourage you to contribute directly to their gofundme.