Under the Neon Lights | June 3, 2025

Preorder from Loudmouth Books and get automatically entered into the preorder sweepstakes. You’ll have the chance to win an Under the Neon Lights tote bag, bookmark, a “Smells Like the Opposite of Roller Skates” cinnamon vanilla candle, a roller skate keychain, and a signed copy.

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In this sparkling and heartfelt debut YA novel in verse, a young Black girl discovers first love, self-worth, and the power of a good skate. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Joya Goffney.

Sixteen-year-old Jaelyn Coleman lives for Saturdays at WestSide Roll, the iconic neighborhood roller rink. On these magical nights, Jae can lose herself in the music of DJ Sunny, the smell of nachos from the concession, and the crowd of some of her favorite people—old heads, dance crews, and other regulars like herself. Here, Jae and other Black teens can fully be themselves.

One Saturday, as Jae skates away her worries, she crashes into the cutest boy she’s ever seen. Trey’s dimples, rich brown skin, and warm smile make it impossible for her to be mad at him though. Best of all, he can’t stop finding excuses to be around her. A nice change for once, in contrast with her best friend’s cold distance of late or her estranged father creeping back into her life.

Just as Jae thinks her summer might change for the better, devastating news hits: Westside Roll is shutting down. The gentrification rapidly taking over her predominantly Black Indianapolis neighborhood, filling it with luxury apartments and fancy boutiques, has come for her safe-haven. And this is just one trouble Jae can’t skate away from.

Debut author Arriel Vinson’s lyrical and contemplative story of young Black love and coming of age in Indianapolis ushers in an exciting new voice in YA literature.

6/3/25: Indianapolis, IN @ Indiana Humanities, hosted by Loudmouth Books, 7pm. RSVP here.

6/6/25: Columbus, IN @ Bartholomew Public Library, hosted by Viewpoint Books, 12pm. RSVP here.

6/7/25: Indianapolis, IN @ Skateland, UTNL celebration, 6:30pm, $15 at door. Details here.

6/10/25: Washington, D.C. @ Loyalty Books, 7pm. RSVP here.

6/11/25: Portland, OR @ Grand Gesture Books, 7pm. RSVP here.

6/17/25: Brooklyn, NY @ Cafe con Libros, 7pm. RSVP here.

6/21/25: Bronx, NY @ Bronx Book Festival, Time TBD. RSVP here.

6/25/25: Dallas, TX @ Whose Books, 7pm. RSVP here.

6/27/25: The Colony, TX @ The Colony Library, 6pm. Details here.

UNDER THE NEON LIGHTS TOUR

  • "As poignant as it is heartfelt, this debut is a love letter to the power of community and showing up for one another."

    Elizabeth Acevedo, author of Clap When You Land

  • "I loved every minute that I spent in Jaelyn’s world. Arriel Vinson has crafted a perfect coming of age YA novel."

    Kristina Forest, USA Today bestselling author of Zyla & Kai

  • "A novel that pulses with love—for community, for family, for the spaces that make us—and sings with every stanza."

    Leah Johnson, bestselling author of Stonewall Honor book, You Should See Me in a Crown

  • "An endearing debut that taps into the power of community, and the power of love."

    Olivia A. Cole, author of Ariel Crashes a Train

  • "A rhythmic love letter, a lyrical ode to letting go and breaking free. . . Arriel Vinson’s debut is a sublime addition to the YA landscape."

    Jennifer Baker, author of Forgive Me Not

  • "Both swoon-worthy and full of heart, readers will eagerly follow Jae’s journey until the very end."

    Hannah V. Sawyerr, author of All the Fighting Parts