The Calculus of Change

A poignant and empowering teen novel of grief, unrequited love, and finding comfort in one's own skin. Aden isn't looking for love in her senior year. She's much more focused on things like getting a solo gig at Ike's and keeping her brother from illegal herbal recreation. But when Tate walks into Calculus class wearing a yarmulke and a grin, Aden's heart is gone in an instant. The two are swept up in a tantalizingly warm friendship, complete with long drives with epic soundtracks and deep talks about life, love, and spirituality. With Tate, Aden feels closer to her mom—and her mom's faith—than she has since her mother died years ago. Everyone else—even Aden's brother and her best friend—can see their connection, but does Tate? Navigating uncertain romance and the crises of those she loves, Aden must decide how she chooses to see herself and how to honor her mom’s memory. What happens when the only variable you can’t solve for is love? Unrequited Love: Aden knows she and Tate are supposed to be fast friends. But her heart is calculating a very different outcome, even if he already has a girlfriend. Teen Grief and Identity: Connecting with Tate is a way to connect with the mother she lost years ago. Through him, she explores her mom’s faith and what it means for her own future. Finding Your Voice: Between calculus homework and navigating her intense new friendship, Aden is pouring her heart into her music, hoping to land a solo gig at Ike’s. Body Image and Self-Acceptance: A poignant journey about learning to be comfortable in your own skin and seeing yourself as beautiful, no matter the numbers on a scale or in a calculus problem.