Swimming Upstream

The Girl With the Plan by Gigi Francois is a poignant coming-of-age story about 16-year-old Haitian immigrant Alora Paulinis as she navigates first love, family obligations, and chasing her dreams in Boston.

When Alora moves to America with her family so her sick younger brother can receive treatment, she struggles to fit in at her new high school while hiding her passion for art from her traditional parents who want her to focus on academics.

Everything changes when popular soccer player Andy takes an interest in Alora's incredible artistic talent. He encourages her to secretly start sharing her art online, and as their friendship turns romantic, Alora begins to imagine a different future for herself - until a family emergency brings everything crashing down.

Torn between pleasing her strict parents, being there for her brother, and nurturing her growing feelings for Andy, Alora must find the courage to fight for what she wants and who she really is. A touching exploration of identity, ambition, and the sacrifices we make for family, The Girl With the Plan is an unforgettable story of a girl learning to dream big.

With a diverse cast of characters, vibrant immigrant family dynamics, and a sweet, heartwarming romance, Gigi Francois' young adult debut is perfect for fans of Jenny Han, Sandhya Menon, and Nicola Yoon. Get ready to fall in love with Alora's journey as she discovers the power of art, love, and staying true to herself.