"Sugiura deftly weaves historical fact into this coming-of-age narrative, providing an entertaining and informative backdrop that allows CJ to explore her own sense of identity while giving readers a front seat to her process." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Sugiura tackles an abundance of topics with finesse, including social and economic injustice, allyship, and feminism, simultaneously breaking down the Asian-American immigration narrative and the myth of the model minority. Essential." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"A gripping, emotionally charged story that presents a window into a uniquely Japanese American experience." -- School Library Journal (starred review)
"With intelligent dialogue surrounding diversity, representation and responsible social action, This Time Will Be Different is a timely, smart novel that readers of contemporary teen fiction will likely devour." -- Shelf Awareness (starred review)
"Fresh, vibrant, affecting and powerful." -- New York Times Book Review
"An engaging picture of a girl facing the past-both her family's and her own-in service of her future." -- Horn Book Magazine
"One of the most authentic, steadfastly real teen characters I've read in recent memory. CJ deals with racism, familial strife, and finding herself with a charm and grace I couldn't get enough of. Her pitch-perfect voice leaped off the page and stayed with me. Highly, highly recommend." -- Sandhya Menon, New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi
"At turns delightfully humorous and wonderfully insightful. The cultural nuances were perfect, and I found myself utterly transported. I can't wait to read what Sugiura writes next." -- Renee Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath & the Dawn
"Insightful. Intricate. Honest. With richly drawn characters that feel utterly real, Misa Sugiura reminds us that the past is always present, but that we hold the power to shape our future, if we're brave enough to face it." -- Samira Ahmed, New York Times bestselling author of Love, Hate & Other Filters and Internment
"Refreshingly complex. An astute look at privilege, power, and history in sometimes unexpected forms." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Sugiura's deep dive into mother-daughter relationships, the fragility of self-worth, and the gathering of courage resonates deeply." -- ALA Booklist
"CJ will break your heart, reassemble it, and put it in a gorgeous flower arrangement that'll make your heart soar. A lovely and complicated story of different forms of love and figuring out who you want to be in the world." -- Sara Farizan, award-winning author of If You Could Be Mine and Here to Stay
"A beautiful, exquisitely crafted story about finding your voice. This Time Will Be Different boasts complex characters with deep-rooted histories, and the exploration of what it means to be a good ally is both timely and necessary. I was captivated from the first page." -- Akemi Dawn Bowman, author of Starfish and Summer Bird Blue
"Hilarious and fiercely loyal, CJ is one of my favorite characters to hit the page in a long time. This smart and thought-provoking tale of the bonds that connect family, and second chances, will have you cheering in your seats." -- Stacey Lee, award-winning author of Outrun the Moon and The Secret of a Heart Note
"Strikes that perfect balance of light-hearted humor and emotional depth. I adored CJ and her journey. Using an inventive narrative structure to explore friendship and romance alongside family and history, Misa Sugiura has created a truly fun and thoughtful read." -- Maurene Goo, author of I Believe in a Thing Called Love
"Smart, funny, and huge-hearted. You will cheer for CJ as she blooms in the most beautiful of ways. A fierce anthem for protecting (and fighting for) the values and boundaries of your own heart, even as they shift on you." -- Kim Culbertson, author of Catch a Falling Star and The Possibility of Now
PRAISE FOR It's Not Like It's a Secret: "Sugiura thoughtfully explores intersecting issues of race, immigrant-family relationships, queer romance, and, less explicitly, class dynamics without implying the significance of one over the others. Well-paced, brimming with drama, and utterly vital." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"An essential and delightful choice that realistically celebrates a teen's discovery of trust in herself and in others." -- School Library Journal
"A queer coming-of-age story that also tackles big topics like adultery, racism, and the cultural conflicts of immigrant families." -- Brightly
