Book excerpt: The debut novel from Adi Alsaid, acclaimed author of Never Always Sometimes, North of Happy, and We Didn’t Ask for This Five strangers. 4,286 miles. One epic adventure. Hudson, Bree, Elliot, and Sonia have only one thing in common: a girl named Leila. On a mission to see the Northern lights, Leila drives from Louisiana to Alaska, crashing into each of their lives in her absurdly red car. From prom night disasters to first loves and family weddings, Leila’s cross-country adventure helps each of these four find something that was missing. But no journey is complete without a destination—and for Leila, the end of her trip might just bring her right back to the beginning. Back to the truth she knew all along: that perhaps, the only way to find what you’re looking for is to get a little lost along the way. “Reminiscent of John Green’s Paper Towns, Alsaid’s debut is a gem among contemporary YA novels.” —School Library Journal