Beating Heart Baby

When artistic and sensitive Santi arrives at his new high school, everyone in the wildly talented marching band welcomes him with open arms. Everyone except for the prickly, proud musical prodigy Suwa, who doesnt think Santi has what it takes to be in the band.

But Santi and Suwa share painful pasts, and when they open up to each other, a tentative friendship begins. And soon, that friendship turns into something more. . . .

Will their fresh start rip at the seams as Suwa seeks out a solo spotlight, and both boys come to terms with what it’ll take, and what they’ll have to let go, to realize their dreams?

Lio Minhas listened to, played and performed, and written about music for most of their life. Their debut novelBeating Heart Babyis about boys, bands, and Los Angeles. They’ve profiled and interviewed acts including Japanese Breakfast, Rina Sawayama, MUNA, Caroline Polachek, Christine and the Queens, Raveena, Tei Shi, Speedy Ortiz, and Mitski.

• Publisher: Flatiron Books (July 26, 2022)
• Language: English
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• ISBN-10: 1250819091
• ISBN-13: 9781250819093
• Reading age: 14 – 18 years
• Grade level: 10 – 12
• Item Weight: 1 pound
• Dimensions: 5.75 x 1.5 x 8.7 inches