New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang’s acclaimed novel about two girls navigating power and corruption in an elite institution—a modern immigrant story that combines the drama of Gossip Girl with the hard truths of Speak.

They’re called parachutes: wealthy teenagers dropped off to live and study in the United States while their parents remain in Asia. That’s how Claire, from Shanghai, comes to live with Dani, who couldn't be less thrilled that mom rented out their spare room.

As Claire explores her newfound freedom and Dani navigates a complicated relationship with her teacher, both girls wrestle with life-changing choices. The girls might be opposites, in terms of privilege, but Claire and Dani will need each other to survive the modern American dream.

• This #MeToo story for teens explores what it means to speak your truth, even when the world wants you to stay silent.
• Both girls find relationships that offer opportunity and status—but in this gripping YA social thriller, they're about to find out the lengths the powerful will go to protect that prestige.
• Inspired by the author's real life experience navigating trauma at Harvard Law School, this brutally honest, cautionary tale is a must read for today's teens.

Speak enters the world of Gossip Girl in this modern immigrant story from New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang about two girls navigating wealth, power, friendship, and trauma.

They're called parachutes: teenagers dropped off to live in private homes and study in the United States while their wealthy parents remain in Asia. Claire Wang never thought she'd be one of them, until her parents pluck her from her privileged life in Shanghai and enroll her at a high school in California.

Suddenly she finds herself living in a stranger's house, with no one to tell her what to do for the first time in her life. She soon embraces her newfound freedom, especially when the hottest and most eligible parachute, Jay, asks her out.

Dani De La Cruz, Claire's new host sister, couldn't be less thrilled that her mom rented out a room to Claire. An academic and debate team star, Dani is determined to earn her way into Yale, even if it means competing with privileged kids who are buying their way to the top. But Dani's game plan veers unexpectedly off course when her debate coach starts working with her privately.

As they steer their own distinct paths, Dani and Claire keep crashing into one another, setting a course that will change their lives forever.

“In this noteworthy, immensely enjoyable novel, Kelly Yang (Front Desk) tackles some of the systemic inequalities that foster racism, misogyny and sexual assault. She convincingly brings to light ways in which victims are often judged more harshly than their aggressors, but also provides a template for change. Yang dives with aplomb into issues of opulence and poverty, power and impotence.”