Pasta Girls
By (Author) Taylor Tracy
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
HarperCollins
1st January 2026
United States
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Dating, relationships, romance a
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Friends and friendships
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Romance and love stories
Childrens / Teenage: Personal and social topics
Childrens / Teenage general interest: City and town life
Hardback
224
In this queer, contemporary, and neurodiverse spin on Romeo and Juliet from Stonewall Award Honor author Taylor Tracy, two New York City girls from warring restaurateur families befriend each other during the busiest week for their respective Italian eateries: the Feast of San Gennaro.
Hot-headed and energetic Romea Marino is starting ninth grade with a full plate. Between confusing social dynamics of high school and juggling extracurriculars, Ro can only find peace in the reliable comfort of her kitchen, where shes able to follow in her dads culinary footsteps, whipping up Italian-fusion recipes.
Thoughtful and reserved Julianna Cangelosi is dying to help in her familys restaurant, which serves traditional Italian dishes. But because Jules suffers from anxiety and struggles with overstimulation, her parentsare wary of their daughter being in the chaos of a New York City kitchen.
When Ro and Jules meet on the first night of the San Gennaro Festival, sparks fly...until they learn that their fathers own dueling Italian restaurants across the street from each other. But the more the girls hang outRo teaching Jules how to cook; Jules taking Ro to her favorite spots around the citythe more their feelings grow. Can they rewrite the old tale of star-crossed kids from rival families and create a new recipe for love and friendship
Taylor Tracy is the author of the Stonewall Award Honor Book Murray Out of Water. Taylor writes books filled with humor and heart that explore the joys and hopes of queer kids, focusing on mental health, found family, and the importance of a sense of community. She lives in New Jersey with her family, including a fluffle of mischievous rescue bunnies, and loves everything her home state has to offer: the best bagels, pizza, and beaches. When not writing, she can be found down the shore, in the rock gym or next to her growing pile of books to read and love. Visit her online at taylorismyfirstname.com.