This Place Is Still Beautiful

This Place Is Still Beautiful is a moving YA novel about identity, belonging, and sisterhood, told through the lives of two sisters, Annalie and Margaret. Blending contemporary realism with heartfelt emotion, the story explores the second-generation immigrant experience and the power of family to weather even the toughest moments. Perfect for readers who crave relatable friendships, thoughtful social themes, and a hopeful coming‑of‑age journey. The book is written in accessible prose that follows 17-year-old Annalie, who wants a carefree summer filled with crushes, and 19-year-old Margaret, a passionate advocate for social justice, as a shocking racist incident rattles their family and their plans. The narrative invites readers into the complexities of belonging, cultural identity, and sisterly love, offering a window into lives that feel immediate and true. This Place Is Still Beautiful balances intimate moments—shared conversations, small acts of courage, and moments of doubt—with larger questions about community, bias, and resilience. It’s not just a story about hardship; it’s a story about healing, connection, and the quiet courage that helps a family find its way back to each other. Core themes of identity, belonging, and the second-generation immigrant experience Two sisters navigating different paths, Annalie and Margaret A family-tested by a racist incident that becomes a catalyst for understanding Accessible, warm prose that feels both contemporary and intimate Subtle romance and heartfelt moments amid larger social questions Socially aware, ownvoices storytelling with resonance for today’s readers After finishing This Place Is Still Beautiful, readers will feel seen, understood, and inspired to seek connection and resilience in their own lives. The novel leaves a hopeful impression about belonging and the strength of sisterhood, making it a lasting, comforting read for fans of contemporary YA.