We Light Up the Sky

Should you save a world that doesn't want to save you?
Award-winning author Lilliam Rivera explores the haunting story of an alien invasion from the perspective of three Latinx teens.

Pedro, Luna, and Rafa may attend Fairfax High School together in Los Angeles, but they run in separate spheres. Pedro is often told that he's “too much” and seeks refuge from his home life in a local drag bar. Luna is pretending to go along with the popular crowd but is still grieving the unexpected passing of her beloved cousin Tasha. Then there's Rafa, the quiet new kid who is hiding the fact that his family is homeless.

But Pedro, Luna, and Rafa find themselves thrown together when an extraterrestrial visitor lands in their city and takes the form of Luna's cousin Tasha. As the Visitor causes destruction wherever it goes, the three teens struggle to survive and warn others of what's coming--because this Visitor is only the first of many. But who is their true enemy--this alien, or their fellow humans?

Pura Belpré Honor-winning author Lilliam Rivera examines the days before a War of the Worlds-inspired alien invasion in this captivating and chilling new novel.

“A revitalized and layered retelling that expertly blends reality and fantasy to explore what's behind love and loss, what it takes to heal.” —Randy Ribay, author of National Book Award Finalist PATRON SAINTS OF NOTHING, on NEVER LOOK BACK

“Haunting and richly detailed, this is a beautiful re-imagining that will hurt and heal, sometimes on the same page.” —Mark Oshiro, author of ANGER IS A GIFT, on NEVER LOOK BACK

“Never Look Back reimagines the Orpheus myth into a bold creation that only Lilliam Rivera could breathe into life. A strange, unsettling love song of a book.” —Elana K. Arnold, Printz Honor-winning author of DAMSEL, on NEVER LOOK BACK

“Seamlessly blends Caribbean and Greek myth into a contemporary teen novel, exploring realistic aspects of identity, stereotypes, trauma, and romance.” —School Library Journal, starred review, on NEVER LOOK BACK

“Honors the Afro Latinx music, language, heritage and history of its characters. . . . Defying expectation and categorization, Never Look Back is a book not to be read with the mind but to be experienced with the soul. It is a revelation.” —BookPage, starred review, on NEVER LOOK BACK

“This isn't a note-for-note retelling. It's something else altogether: a pensive exploration of the deep trauma historically suffered by colonized and enslaved peoples and how that entwines with more recent hardships, like Hurricane Maria, whose damage is worsened by the remnants of those same institutions. . . Never Looks Back sings its own love song to the world.” —NPR on NEVER LOOK BACK

“One of the most anticipated books of 2020.” —Women's Health on NEVER LOOK BACK

“This fresh reworking of a Greek myth will resonate.” —Kirkus Reviews on NEVER LOOK BACK

“Combines realism with magic along with an exploration of the critical need for better mental health care. . . . An emotionally challenging journey filled with peril and truth-telling.” —School Library Connection on NEVER LOOK BACK

“An absorbing supernatural romance.” —BCCB on NEVER LOOK BACK

“Rivera masterfully intertwines ancient and modern lore, leaving readers gasping for breath by the authentic but satisfying conclusion.” —Shelf Awareness on NEVER LOOK BACK

“This detailed reimagining of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice mixes contemporary realism with fantasy.” —The Horn Book Magazine on NEVER LOOK BACK

“As brutal as it is beautiful, Dealing in Dreams pulls no punches, launching us on a wild, relentless ride through the cutthroat streets of this brilliantly-realized dystopian world.” —Daniel José Older, author of the New York Times bestselling series Shadowshaper Cypher, on DEALING IN DREAMS

“Taking cues from Judge Dredd, Mad Max, and The Hunger Games, Rivera . . . has created a uniquely brutal hellscape. . . . Readers are left with a more ambiguous--and ambitious--tale that will have them questioning what kinds of people they'd be if freed from society's mores.” —Booklist, starred review, on DEALING IN DREAMS

“Rivera effectively presents the complexity of female relationships, which will resonate strongly with readers. . . . A novel exploration of societal roles, gender, and equality through the eyes of captivating lead.” —School Library Journal, starred review, on DEALING IN DREAMS

“Introducing Lilliam Rivera, one of the most unique and exciting new voices in YA.The Education of Margot Sanchez is funny, poignant, compelling and authentic.” —Matt de la Peña, acclaimed author of LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET, on THE EDUCATION OF MARGOT SANCHEZ

“Shatters the myth of assimilation by exposing the loss and ache that comes with it. Instead, Lilliam Rivera tells the reader that there is nothing more powerful and beautiful than staying true to oneself.” —Isabel Quintero, author of GABI: A GIRL IN PIECES, on THE EDUCATION OF MARGOT SANCHEZ