“He shakes his head, and he's saying something, and I think I might kiss him. Because I've never kissed anyone before. (I was afraid I might bite.) And I've never wanted to kiss anyone but him. (I won't bite. I won't hurt him.) I just want to kiss him, then go. "Simon...," I say. And then he kisses me.”

American novelist and short story writer, Rainbow Rowell is best known for her young adult fiction, particularly *Fangirl* and *Eleanor & Park*, which explore identity, fandom, and the complexities of young love. Her work blends humor and heartache, often centering on outsiders finding their place in the world.