Under the Neon Lights - by Arriel Vinson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award

In this sparkling and heartfelt debut YA novel in verse by a Reese's Book Club LitUp fellow, 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.

Review Quotes

"With characters that feel both familiar and brand new, Under the Neon Lights is a novel about friends, family, and the spaces that let us practice being our freest selves. 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, New York Times bestselling author of Clap When You Land

"With exquisite writing that leaps off the page and characters who will steal your heart, Under the Neon Lights is a breath of fresh air, and 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. UNDER THE NEON LIGHTS is a stunning ode to community that I already know I'll be returning to again and again."--Leah Johnson, bestselling author of Stonewall Honor book You Should See Me in a Crown

"Under the Neon Lights is full of rhythm, charm, and the essence of high school. An endearing debut that taps into the power of community, and the power of love."--Olivia A. Cole, author of Ariel Crashes a Train

"Under the Neon Lights is a rhythmic love letter, a lyrical ode to letting go and breaking free. Jaelyn's journey puts love at the forefront as she learns to open her heart to all of life's possibilities in a captivating novel-in-verse that illustrates the importance of community and growing into yourself. Arriel Vinson's debut is a sublime addition to the YA landscape."--Jennifer Baker, author of Forgive Me Not

"Told through striking and rhythmic verse, Arriel Vinson's debut novel Under the Neon Lights, tells a story of sweet first love, authentic friendship, and a beautiful community worth celebrating. Both swoon-worthy and full of heart, readers will eagerly follow Jae's journey until the very end. Vinson's passion for her craft and her people effortlessly shines through! I devoured this book, and I am already in line for Vinson's next!"--Hannah V. Sawyerr, author of All the Fighting Parts

"A coming-of-age story filled with romance that will have readers wanting to seek out their own local skating rinks. Recommended for all middle-grade and young adult collections."--Booklist

"Vinson shows a clear sense of how complex relationships of all kinds can be for teens, and readers will also appreciate how both love and community are celebrated without ignoring the factors that put them at risk."--BCCB

"With the vivid verse, realistic characters, and the soul that comes from this book, it is recommended for all libraries."--School Library Journal

"Roll to the beat of summer love and loss in this heartfelt debut."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Arriel Vinson is a Midwesterner who writes about being young, Black, and in search of freedom. Her debut YA novel-in-verse, Under the Neon Lights, is a 2026 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, a Reese's Book Club LitUp selection, and a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection. Arriel earned her MFA in Fiction from Sarah Lawrence College and is a Tin House YA Scholar, Highlights Foundation scholarship recipient, and Walter Grant recipient. Her sophomore novel, If This World Were Mine, is coming in spring 2027. You can connect with her on social media at @arriwrites and find her work at arriwrites.com.