Study Break

A collection of quick stories and poems that explores college life, love, and identity!
Catalyst Awards Winner for Best YA Fiction!

Welcome to UMB, where...
-Aarti attends orientation armed with a detailed four-year plan...that might not go as expected
-Fray is looking for a Jewish community on campus that they can actually feel comfortable in
-Deepika meets her cute neighbor while recovering from heartbreak over fall break
-Quinn learns to embrace their interest in makeup after meeting a new crush
-Salomé struggles with anxiety while trying to make new friends
-Arisha worries about friends, finals, and disappointing her family as the fall semester comes to an end
-Rani doesn't know how to break the news at her family's New Year's party that she's considering a career change
-Trina suddenly loses her friend group and has to find a new one
-Ruby realizes she may have a crush on her RA...who's a girl
-Sophie goes on a spring break road trip to help rescue her roommate's stuffed panda
-Emma and Valerie realize they might actually have feelings for each other...but they're about to graduate
Told over the course of one academic year, this collection of stories and poems features students from different cultures, genders, and interests learning more about who they are and who they want to be. From new careers to community to (almost) missed connections — and more — these interconnected tales explore the ways university life can be stressful and confusing and exciting and fulfilling!
Contributors include Jake Maia Arlow, Arushi Avachat, Boon Carmen, Ananya Devarajan, Camryn Garrett, Christina Li, Racquel Marie, Oyin, Laila Sabreen, Michael Waters, and Joelle Wellington.