Seven Minutes in Candyland
"A debut with razor-sharp wit and irresistible charm. Get ready to be swept off your feet by this heart-stopping rom-com that will have you falling head over heels with Wasson's fresh voice." --Kim Johnson, author of This Is My America
This multilayered YA rom-com about follows Kalvin, a guy navigating his parents' impending separation, racial dynamics in his mostly white high school, and a side hustle as a relationship therapist who also sells candy to his patients in need...one of whom is his crush.
Sophomore Kalvin Shmelton has finally perfected his underground candy-selling hustle at school. He keeps his prices reasonable, his inventory fresh, and himself out of the drama. But when a heartbroken Sterling Glistern--Kal's longtime crush--barges into the storage closet where he keeps his candy supply, a new source of income unexpectedly presents itself: relationship therapist. He only meant to help Sterling realize she's dating a jerk--and maybe win her over--but news spreads fast that Kalvin's not just the master of sweets...but hearts, too! And as the son of two famous therapists, he leans into this newfound reputation and the money that comes with it.
The truth, however, is that Kalvin's parents' "perfect" marriage is crumbling. He was supposed to woo the girl of his dreams, fix his parents' relationship, and lend a listening ear to a school full of heartbroken teens. But a jealous boyfriend, a vengeful competitor, and Kalvin's own growing ego threaten those plans, forcing Kal to rethink all he thought he knew about friendship, family, and love.
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Become an affiliateBrian Wasson is an educator who is motivated by helping kids see the power of reading, writing, and thinking critically in a diverse, fast-changing world. Previously an editor for nine years at two major newspapers in North Carolina, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and a Master of Arts in English. He spends much of his free time listening to audiobooks, applying for grant funding for his classroom, and dozing off to random Netflix shows. He currently lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with his wife and muse-in-residence, Ashly, and their two children. Learn more about Brian at brianwassonbooks.com.
"A debut with razor-sharp wit and irresistible charm. Get ready to be swept off your feet by this heart-stopping rom-com that will have you falling head over heels with Wasson's fresh voice." -- Kim Johnson, author of This is My America
"A love story that delivers on the sweet, confronts life's sour notes, and leaves you craving for another bite. It's better than any sugar rush." -- Jumata Emill, author of The Black Queen
"Wasson's feel-good debut deftly balances humor with common teen concerns, making this a joy to read. Fun, relatable, and with a dash of romance, Wasson's novel hits the mark."
-- Booklist (starred review)
"Wasson puts together a clever novel that crafts a unique pathway to teen romance and places Black characters at the forefront of the plot. -An excellent -selection of diverse representation. A must-add to any YA collection." -- School Library Journal