Published: 2023
Series: N/A
Author: Malavika Kannan
Illustrator: N/A
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBT, Lesbian, Queer, Realistic Fiction, Feminism, Coming Of Age
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades 11-12
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Goodreads Link: All The Yellow Suns
Triggers: Vandalism, political/social unrest, depictions of systemic racism and injustice, toxic relationship dynamics
Review By: Francesca Miesner
Publisher’s Summary:
A coming-of-age story about a queer Indian American girl exploring activism and identity through art, perfect for fans of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.
Sixteen-year-old Maya Krishnan is fiercely protective of her friends, immigrant community, and single mother, but she knows better than to rock the boat in her conservative Florida suburb. Her classmate Juneau Zale is the polar opposite: she’s a wealthy white heartbreaker who won’t think twice before capsizing that boat.
When Juneau invites Maya to join the Pugilists—a secret society of artists, vandals, and mischief-makers who fight for justice at their school—Maya descends into the world of change-making and resistance. Soon, she and Juneau forge a friendship that inspires Maya to confront the challenges in her own life.
But as their relationship grows romantic, painful, and twisted, Maya begins to suspect that there’s a whole different person beneath Juneau’s painted-on facade. Now Maya must learn to speak her truth in this mysterious, mixed-up world—even if it results in heartbreak.
Review:
Malavika Kannan’s All The Yellow Suns is a striking, emotionally charged addition to the young adult contemporary landscape, making it an excellent choice for high school collections catering to older teens. Centered on sixteen-year-old Maya Krishnan, the story brilliantly navigates the pressures of growing up as a queer Indian American girl in a conservative Florida suburb. When Maya is drawn into “The Pugilists,” a clandestine group of student artists and activists, she must confront the boundaries of her own comfort zone, her relationship with her single mother, and her place within her immigrant community.
This novel did an excellent job of including a diverse cast of characters that the reader can relate to. Malavika Kannan balanced the romance and the actual plot of the novel in a way that felt organic. The social awareness in this novel did not at any point feel forced or inorganic. The perspectives displayed in this novel were both diverse and unique that you don’t normally see in a young adult novel. The exploration of grassroots student activism and using art as a vehicle for resistance provides an engaging, fast-paced atmosphere that will easily capture the attention of high school juniors and seniors.
I would say, however, that the romance in this novel felt inorganic. I also think that the romance was less interesting than the world that the author built. It felt a bit like two different stories woven together, as opposed to one cohesive story. While the romantic tension between Maya and the wealthy, unpredictable Juneau Zale drives much of the emotional conflict, it occasionally overshadows the compelling narrative of community organizing and personal empowerment. Despite this pacing imbalance, the striking book cover and the sheer urgency of the writing make it highly appealing to the target audience. Kannan’s descriptive prose beautifully illustrates the vibrant, rebellious spirit of youth, making this 5-star novel a highly recommended purchase for school and public libraries looking to expand their diverse contemporary shelves.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- ELA / Literature: Serves as a contemporary mentor text for coming-of-age (Bildungsroman) narratives, exploring the intersectionality of identity, and analyzing structural choices regarding character foil dynamics.
- Social Studies / Civics: Connects deeply to units on modern grassroots activism, peaceful resistance, and civil engagement within local communities.
- Extension Activity / Library Application: Ideal for an upper-grade high school book club or a literature circle focused on contemporary social issues. As an extension activity, students can participate in an “Art as Activism” workshop where they analyze how historical and modern movements have utilized visual arts or poetry to advocate for institutional change, culminating in creating their own awareness campaign or creative piece.
- Diversity & Representation: The novel provides exceptional representation by centering a queer Indian American protagonist navigating her identity within an immigrant household and a conservative suburban setting. It treats cultural nuances, intersectional identities, and marginalized perspectives with profound dignity and realism.
Readalikes:
- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
- I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
- Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian
