The Nature of Jade

"The Nature of Jade" is a poignant young adult novel about Jade DeLuna, a teenager navigating life with Panic Disorder. She finds an unexpected connection and sense of safety with Sebastian, a young single father she meets through a zoo webcam. Their budding romance blossoms in the unique setting of his Seattle houseboat, surrounded by his activist grandmother and baby son. However, Sebastian harbors a significant secret that forces Jade to weigh her feelings against her sense of right and wrong, challenging her newfound stability and self-confidence. This book sensitively explores mental health, first love, and complex ethical dilemmas, making it suitable for ages 12-18.

A girl grappling with Panic Disorder finds comfort—and love—with a boy who is hiding a terrible secret in this poignant and romantic novel from Printz Honor medal winner and National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti. Jade DeLuna is too young to die. She knows this, and yet she can’t quite believe it, especially when the terrifying thoughts, loss of breath, and dizzy feelings come. Since being diagnosed with Panic Disorder, she’s trying her best to stay calm, and visiting the elephants at the nearby zoo seems to help. That’s why Jade keeps the live zoo webcam on in her room, and that’s where she first sees the boy in the red jacket. A boy who stops to watch the elephants. A boy carrying a baby. His name is Sebastian, and he is raising his son alone. Jade is drawn into Sebastian’s cozy life with his son and his activist grandmother on their Seattle houseboat, and before she knows it, she’s in love. Jade knows the situation is beyond complicated, but she hasn’t felt this safe in a long time. And she owes it to Sebastian, her boy with the great heart. Her boy who is hiding a terrible secret. A secret that will force Jade to decide between what is right, and what feels right…