Arvin Ahmadi's novel shares a lot in common with its irrepressible hero, Saaket. It's quirky and charming, wise and unpredictable, and, dare I say it, full of big-hearted grit. -Khaled Hosseini, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Kite Runner

Arvin Ahmadi's voice will be a dynamic entry into YA literature. Down and Across is a thrilling game-changer that touches on the universal journey of self-discovery with a deft hand and riotous humor. -Adam Silvera, New York Times bestselling author of More Happy Than Not and History Is All You Left Me

Arvin Ahmadi's earnest debut is a charming romp of a book, a heartfelt tour of a city through the bright eyes of a hopeful heart. Ahmadi proves his grit and then some with Down and Across. -David Arnold, New York Times bestselling author of Kids of Appetite and Mosquitoland

Charmingly funny, intensely relatable, and unexpectedly moving-Down and Across is a big-hearted gem of a debut from an exciting new voice. -Jasmine Warga, author of My Heart and Other Black Holes and Here We Are Now

★ Witty, smart, and inspiring, the novel celebrates life's big and little surprises and the connections made between people that lead to profound changes. -Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ A story of friendship, growing up, and learning to commit to something. -School Library Journal, starred review

Debut author Ahmadi sets up a meet-cute with a manic-pixie-dream-girl type, but he refreshingly upends those tropes, instead telling a smart story about transformation . . . Both Saaket and Fiora emerge as multifaceted personalities with an engaging dynamic, and readers will easily cheer Saaket on as he blunders through toward meaningful growth. -Booklist

Utterly satisfying. -VOYA