Maybe We're Electric by Val Emmich

MAYBE WE'RE ELECTRIC by Val Emmich (Dear Evan Hansen) shares the story of two teens trying to figure out how they fit – both with classmates and with their families.  Tegan has spent her lifetime dealing with a physical disability so that offers an interesting and rather unique perspective. She is angry with her Mom and runs away during a snowstorm. Mac, who appears to be a popular athlete, is trying to cope with his Dad’s alcoholism. The two teens end up taking shelter in a museum dedicated to Thomas Edison; there, they share their stories and a surprising mutual attraction. Although the characters are not especially memorable, Emmich does a decent job of developing teen angst from their reflections: “Why do we care so much what people think of us? Why can’t we just say what we want to say?” or “It seems we can laugh all we want, but there’s always a lingering pain below the surface that can’t be ignored.” Both Tegan and Mac grow in self-awareness during a night spent sharing secrets. School Library Journal described MAYBE WE'RE ELECTRIC as “a page-turner filled with romance, teenage angst, and tough choices related to identity.” If that appeals (or you like fiction by Kat Spears or David Arnold), give this new title a try. You may also be inspired by the quote from Edison: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”