This Moth Saw Brightness

High schooler ’Wayne—called D for his name’s “invisible D”—is adrift, and his hyper-organized single father worries about D’s lack of drive. So when D is invited to participate in a clinical research study at Johns Hopkins University, his dad rejoices at the prestigious opportunity. Meanwhile, D’s best friend Kermit wants him to accept the invite out of curiosity: what does a clinical study on “teen health” entail? But D only agrees to join after learning that his crush, Jane, an analytical girl with a love for origami, will be taking part as well. The program seems strange but simple: D is fitted with a wristband that monitors his vitals as he completes daily puzzles and tasks. The most unsettling variable requires that he take a daily pill with unknown effects. As the study progresses and strange events occur, D teams up with Jane and Kermit to uncover more about the program’s purpose and origin. Utilizing cheeky footnotes and fourth-wall-breaking asides, and deploying shocking twists and turns, Vacharat delivers a propulsive and unnerving debut. Depictions of government corruption and manipulation are tempered by D’s wry narration as he grapples with his mental health, sense of self, and future anxiety. Characters are intersectionally diverse. Ages 14–up. Agent: Kelly Dyksterhouse, Tobias Literary. (May)