Raya Liston just graduated from high school and the world lay ahead of her. The teen wants to see India and learn about her grandmother's heritage, so,she makes a pilgrimage to her ashram in Delhi and explores religious life there.

Anandi and Shray make the trip with Raya from England; while in India, Raya also meets Samaira, Kiran, and Pilot. Raya wants to learn about her Indian roots as a half-black, half-Indian woman, and loves talking to the spiritual gurus, who advise her on various aspects of her life. 

To Raya, Kiran seems amazing. She is smitten with him and falls head over heels in infatuation. The two young lovers meet for private walks in the park near the ashram; any excuse to make out is a good excuse. Raya and Kiran support each other in their goals and enjoy time together. Something about Kiran feels different than other guys to Raya, and her interest is piqued to learn more about him. Each kiss from the young man feels magical.

Additionally, tutoring Pihu has lit a passion and purpose in Raya's world. Raya credits this epiphany to her friend, Samaira, and the religious ashram. Raya is excited to pursue her college education, and feels her life now has structure and meaning. She longs to become a teacher, as she loves explaining concepts to people, and showing them how to accomplish tasks. Raya has a love of learning and wants to pass that burning desire for knowledge, creation, and being on to others.

96 Words For Love by Rachel Roy and Ava Dash, 2019

I love the snapshot into Indian culture that this work provides.

Books about India

Rachel Roy's website

High-schooler Carolina spends the summer in Tuscany, Italy, where she meets her father, Howard, for the first time. She did not even know who Howard was until her mother became ill.

Lina lives for runs in the beautiful Italian countryside… and gelato, the most delicious thing she has ever tasted. Everything in Italy is lovely, including the caretaker's home in the cemetery that Howard inhabits. All the culture and excitement of a new country would be a dream come true… if only her mother were still alive. 

In the small village in which Howard lives, there are 18 local high school seniors. Luckily, the teens in Carolina's villa embrace the newcomer. The first boy she meets is Lorenzo. Fun-loving "Ren" takes Lina to parties, out to eat, and to nearby Florence. She loves the feeling of wind running through her hair as she rides Ren's scooter with him. She is confused about how she feels about this boy with an American mother and Italian father… especially since he already has a gorgeous girlfriend named Mimi. 

Sonia, the other live-in employee at the cemetery, knew Lina's mother, Haydey, and gives the teen some journals she had written. Reading her mom's thoughts is painful for Lina, so she digests the words in measured doses. She struggles to discover the secrets of her mother's romantic life in Italy. The girl is torn by the fact that her mom did not tell her about Howard sooner. After all, a girl wants to know her father, right?

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch, 2016

The author spent years in Italy and her voice comes through as authentic. I love when authors comprehensively research the countries they write about.

Books about Italy

Jenna Evans Welch's website

Nikki Doyle lives for action on the basketball court. She loves running around in the gym, guarding opposing players and scoring points. She loves the adrenaline rush and camaraderie with her teammates and coach. The thrill of the game intrigues her and she is willing to sacrifice much for the opportunity to play. Whether she is playing with the usual 16-ounce balls girls use in games or the three-pound balls for practice drills, Nikki is happy to dribble and shoot.

The teen is delighted when she makes the "Action" team… and then come the costs. The fees involved are simply too expensive for a single librarian mother of two. However, Nikki is determined to discover an avenue by which to pursue her sport. She brainstorms and, at last, an idea comes to her: If she babysits her brother, Sam, the family will save money they're already spending for afterschool care. Nikki's mother is doubtful but reluctantly agrees.

Nikki enjoys meeting the other girls on the club team. Her best friend is Adria, and then there's the girl who calls everyone "dude." Nikki practices for hours weekly and plays in tournaments, leading her to become exhausted. Helping Sam with homework every afternoon, completing her own studies, and playing in practice are all wearing her out. Nikki's coach takes her aside to inquire why she is not scoring as much. Basketball no longer seems like much fun to the girl…  is it time to quit?

Nikki On the Line by Barbara Carroll Roberts, 2019

I love this glimpse into the life of a basketball player.

Books about basketball

Barbara Carroll Roberts' website