YA Contemporary - Immigrant Story
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Hi! I am Joana.
I was born in Portugal, Raised in New Jersey, Lived in Germany for 6 years, and now I am back living in Portugal!
I write Contemporary and Fantasy novels within the Middle Grade and Young Adult categories. I like writing for younger audiences because books changed my life when I was a kid/teen.
I like fantasy novels A LOT.
I also love young adult contemporary novels that have a diverse cast of characters or touch on mental health issues.
Smut or paranormal romance is just not my cup of tea.
Cat recently turned 18. She is dealing with her tumultuous relationship with her very traditional and strict Portuguese mother. She feels stuck in a path that she hasn’t chosen, and cannot help but feel guilty –something years of rules and tradition have embedded in her with every little lie she tells, but lying is the only way she can experience all the things normal people experience at her age. Her friends Olivia and Sylver play an important role in her life and her story. The story will focus largely on friendship and family dynamics.
When Cat finally finds a job outside of the family business at the local concert venue, she’s granted the opportunity to go on tour with her favorite band. Escaping the grips of her overbearing mother, Cat is finally on her own path. Will she finally discover exactly who she is? Will her mother finally understand her? The Guilt Trip shares her story, one that many kids of traditional immigrant parents can relate to.
“Cat are you there?” someone whispers. I can’t tell which one of my friends it is. There’s a profound lack of subtlety when you are friends with someone for a long stretch
of time. As I hang out of my bedroom window trying to sneak out of the house, my best friends Olivia and Sylver come crashing over the backyard fence like two drunk frat boys— landing on one another. They stand up, brushing bits of grass and dirt from their clothing.
“The gate on the other side is unlocked,” I announce. Olivia playfully slaps Sylver on the arm, “I told you! Cat always leaves that unlocked on purpose, but no, you just had to climb the fence like some suburban Avenger.”
“May I remind you, that you are also covered in dirt and decided to follow me over the fence, and honestly what Avenger is going to be hopping fences in New Jersey?” Sylver asks. I stare down at my two best friends who are readying themselves to get into some weird heated discussion about The Avengers’ suburban capabilities.
“Before you two start spewing nerd talk at each other, can you maybe help me out? Also keep your voices down, my parents are asleep.” They begin to study the situation, quizzical looks being shared with each other. I am on the first floor, but it’s still slightly far above the ground, and I even look like a piece of laundry out to dry.
“What exactly is happening here? Can’t you just get the window to open and step out?” Olivia asks.
“I’m stuck! I didn’t text you to come help me if I could get out on my own. The window won’t budge, and since my boobs are already out there for show and tell, I can’t get my body back in.” I explain.
“It’s like a failed attempt by a magician to cut you in half,” Olivia comments.
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