All the Stars in the Daylight Sky

This atmospheric, otherworldly fantasy by MacGregor (The Evolving Truth of Ever-Stronger Will) deploys Scottish mythology to touch on themes of grief and trauma brought about by past experiences with mass shootings and Covid-19. After bouncing between her two mothers in the Scottish Highlands and her father in Texas, 18-year-old Cam, who is autistic and agender, settles in small-town Ballinacollie following her best friend’s death. While roaming nearby woods, Cam encounters the immortal Sìthichean, supernatural beings who must either kill Cam to prevent her from exposing their existence or absorb her into their world. Reluctantly accepting their offer to become one of them, Cam—now an immortal with as-yet unknown powers—becomes embroiled in Sìthichean society, befriends gender-fluid Sìthichean prince Ezra, and attempts to balance these new experiences with her school and home life. Having always felt like an outsider, Cam feels as if she’s finally found a community that understands her. But that’s all forfeit if she doesn’t survive the Sìthichean’s deadly initiation trials. Cam’s gentle budding romance with Ezra as well as interactions with other Sìthichean and Ballinacollie locals offer moments of hope and healing across an empathic and accessible tale of belonging. Features liberal untranslated Gaelic dialogue. Ages 12–up. (Oct.)