Plus get our latest book recommendations, author news, and competitions right to your inbox.
Table of Contents
About The Book
This “heartbreaking and heartfelt” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) star-crossed love story follows two teens in a starkly unequal future world who are struggling to find their places.
Sixteen-year-old Rumi Sabzwari has spent his entire life behind the armored walls of St. Iago, which protect citizens of the Union of Upper Cities from the outside world’s environmental devastation. But when rebels infect his father with a fatal virus, Rumi escapes St. Iago, desperate to find a cure.
In the ruined city of Paraíso, Rumi meets fifteen-year-old Paz, who agrees to guide him on his journey. As they travel together, Rumi finds himself drawn to Paz—and behind her tough exterior, she begins to feel the same way. But Paz knows more about Rumi’s father’s illness than she’s saying and has her own agenda. With the powerful forces at play in their cities putting them at odds, can the two learn to trust in each other—enough to imagine a different world?
Sixteen-year-old Rumi Sabzwari has spent his entire life behind the armored walls of St. Iago, which protect citizens of the Union of Upper Cities from the outside world’s environmental devastation. But when rebels infect his father with a fatal virus, Rumi escapes St. Iago, desperate to find a cure.
In the ruined city of Paraíso, Rumi meets fifteen-year-old Paz, who agrees to guide him on his journey. As they travel together, Rumi finds himself drawn to Paz—and behind her tough exterior, she begins to feel the same way. But Paz knows more about Rumi’s father’s illness than she’s saying and has her own agenda. With the powerful forces at play in their cities putting them at odds, can the two learn to trust in each other—enough to imagine a different world?
About The Author
Photograph by Kelly Perso
Lauren Yero is a Cuban American writer who was born in Florida and now lives in the mountains of western North Carolina. Her desire to connect more deeply with her Cuban roots led her to study and work throughout the Spanish-speaking world—including Chile, where she drew inspiration for her debut novel, Under This Forgetful Sky. In addition to writing, she works as a teacher and shares a small homestead with her husband, two kids, two pups, ten chickens, five geese, two ducks, and a couple hundred thousand honeybees.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (July 18, 2023)
- Length: 416 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665913812
- Ages: 14 - 99
Browse Related Books
Raves and Reviews
*Book Riot Best Books of the Year for Teens*
*Poets & Writers Get the Word Out pick*
*Kirkus Reviews Best of the Month*
"Gorgeous writing and emotionally impactful character arcs. . . . Heartbreaking and heartfelt."
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Under This Forgetful Sky is an exquisitely crafted debut set in a smartly realized world. Rumi and Paz are characters to cheer for, and their page-turning story is both a heart-rending romance and a nuanced exploration of inequity. Highly recommended."
– Rae Carson, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl of Fire and Thorns series
"A love story, adventure tale, and science fiction work that reflects actions and events in our present world. . . . A unique and heart-pounding novel with an unexpected ending readers won’t soon forget."
– School Library Journal
"The fully fleshed-out characters and their distinctly human connections juxtapose the delicately crafted sci-fi world. . . . Yero molds a convincing dystopian society that explores how technological advancements and political corruption can affect future generations."
– Publishers Weekly
"Fans of dystopian romance will likely find much to enjoy in Under This Forgetful Sky. . . . [Yero] has built a complex and fascinating world, beautifully rendered. . . [a] gritty yet tender adventure with a conscience."
– Chapter 16
Awards and Honors
- Bank Street Children's Book Award
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Under This Forgetful Sky eBook 9781665913812
- Author Photo (jpg): Lauren Yero Photograph by Kelly Perso(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
