Jesmeen Kaur Deo

EMPOWERING GIRLS WITH BODY HAIR: Anyone who has ever struggled with facial or body hair will relate to TJ's journey and cheer her on-but this is particularly relevant for brown girls: how they're seen and judged and how they live in their bodies. The ups and downs TJ faces in attempting to prove her resolution deal with with nuance, empathy, and respect for girls no matter what they choose to do or look like, just like in Julie Murphy's Dumplin' and Leah Johnson's You Should See Me in a Crown.

SIKH IDENTITY: TJ's family is Sikh, and while TJ and her parents aren't actively religious, her cousin Simran and her family are. This book engages thoughtfully with TJ and her cousin's differences-and their love and respect for each other.

SWOONY ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS ROM-COM: TJ's romance with her debate rival Charlie is charming, sexy, and fun. Their sweet and funny enemies-to-lovers relationship, banter, and steamy chemistry will have readers swooning.

DEBATE SETTING: This book is a propulsive, exciting, and accessible entry into the world of competitive debate, like Peyton Thomas's Both Sides Now and What's Not to Love by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberly.

COMMERCIAL ROMANCE WITH POWERFUL THEMES: This is a commercial, fun, and thoughtful rom-com with a sparkling voice-which digs deep into big topics like feminism, body image, the beauty and wellness industry, what girls of color face in this world, and more.

DEBUT AUTHOR TO WATCH: Jesmeen Kaur Deo is an Indo-Canadian writer and student from Northern British Columbia. TJ Powar Has Something to Prove is her debut. We signed Jesmeen up for two books in a heated house pre-empt ahead of an auction. She is a talent to watch and is willing to do whatever it takes to promote this book.