Unraveling Roots: A Review of "This Book Might Be About Zinnia" by Brittney Morris

Brittney Morris, acclaimed author of SLAY and The Cost of Knowing, returns with a deeply moving young adult novel, This Book Might Be About Zinnia, published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers on July 1, 2025. This introspective tale weaves together the lives of two teenage girls across different timelines, delving into themes of adoption, identity, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.

Title: This Book Might Be About Zinnia

Author: Brittney Morris

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Genre: YA Contemporary

Book Buy Links: Amazon | Goodreads | B&N | Bookshop.org

Synopsis:

Two moments in time. Two very different girls. And one story that connects them both.

It’s the year 2025, and Zinnia Davis is on a mission to ace her personal essay. But when an admissions rep hints that her adoption story is “lacking heart,” she has to figure out a new spin. Frankly, Zinnia doesn’t know much about her birth parents; that is, until her favorite author releases a new novel—Little Heart—about a princess with a heart-shaped birthmark on her forehead and separated from her mother at birth…just like Zinnia. Could this be her birth mother?

Flashback to 2006, and teenager Tuesday Walker is barely making it through high school after experiencing a loss that had her on leave for months. To cope, Tuesday writes a series of entries in a journal, but when the journal is lost, it feels like reliving the trauma all over again. Tuesday’s search for the journal uncovers dangerous secrets about her past, her crush, and her own mother’s story.

If Tuesday isn’t careful in her search, Zinnia will have to reap the consequences in the present.

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My Review of "This Book Might Be About Zinnia" by Brittany Morris

Set in 2024, Zinnia Davis, an 18-year-old biracial adoptee, strives for perfection as she aims to craft the ideal personal essay for her Harvard application. When an admissions officer critiques her story as "lacking heart," Zinnia embarks on a quest to uncover her origins. Her journey takes a turn when she discovers a novel, Little Heart, by her favorite author, featuring a protagonist with a heart-shaped birthmark—just like hers. This uncanny resemblance leads Zinnia to suspect a deeper connection.

Flashing back to 2006, we meet Tuesday Walker, a Black teenager grappling with the emotional aftermath of placing her newborn daughter for adoption. Through journal entries, Tuesday processes her grief and seeks understanding, uncovering family secrets that could have lasting repercussions.

The narratives of Zinnia and Tuesday intertwine, revealing a tapestry of emotions and decisions that bridge the gap between past and present.

💡 Themes Explored

Morris masterfully navigates the intricacies of adoption, shedding light on both the adoptee's and birth mother's perspectives. The novel explores the psychological effects of adoption, the quest for identity, and the longing for connection. The parallel stories emphasize the profound effects of choices made and the enduring bonds of family.

The portrayal of mother-daughter dynamics stands out, highlighting the pressures of perfectionism and the desire to protect loved ones from past traumas. Morris's exploration of these relationships offers a nuanced look at the complexities of familial love and expectations.

✍️ Writing Style and Structure

Morris's prose is evocative and introspective, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of her characters. The dual timelines are seamlessly interwoven, maintaining a cohesive narrative that keeps readers engaged. While the voices of Zinnia and Tuesday share similarities, their individual journeys and growth are distinctly portrayed.

The novel's pacing balances moments of quiet reflection with suspenseful revelations, creating a compelling reading experience. Morris's shift from action-driven storytelling to a more literary, character-focused approach showcases her versatility as a writer.

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Book Might Be About Zinnia is a heartfelt exploration of identity, family, and the enduring quest for self-understanding. Brittney Morris delivers a poignant narrative that resonates with readers, offering a mirror to those navigating their own paths of discovery.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

Note: This review is based on an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

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Meet the author:

Brittany Morris

Brittney Morris (she/her/hers) is the author of "SLAY", "The Cost of

Knowing", "The Jump", and "This Book Might Be About Zinnia", and has written

video game narrative for Insomniac Games’, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for

PlayStation 5, Unknown Worlds’s Subnautica: Below Zero, and Soma

Games’s The Lost Legends of Redwall. She is the founder and former

president of the Boston University Creative Writing Club. She holds a BA in

economics.

You can find her online at AuthorBrittneyMorris.com and on X or Instagram @BrittneyMMorris.