If We Were a Movie

“Jamal’s debut YA novel is a fun summer romance with an engaging mystery to follow.” – Booklist

“An enemies-to-lovers romance with a cinematic backdrop… that celebrates friendship, forgiveness, and Black cinema.” – School Library Journal

“A sapphic love story as sweet and funny as it is nostalgic and cinematic.” – Leah Johnson, bestselling author of You Should See Me in a Crown

“This novel has the nostalgic charm of classic teen flicks with modern wit and stakes. Backdropped by a unique cinematic setting full of lively characters, this rivals-to-lovers romance will have you smiling and cheering long after the credits roll.” – Racquel Marie, award-winning author of Ophelia After All

“With the cutest enemies-to-lovers romance and a friend group on a mission to save a historic Black-owned cinema, If We Were a Movie gives you characters that are impossible not to root for.” – Mae Coyiuto, acclaimed author of Chloe and the Kaishao Boys

Zakiya N. Jamal was born in Queens, raised in Long Island, and currently resides in Brooklyn. In other words, she’s a New Yorker through and through. She holds a BA in English from Georgetown University and an MFA in creative writing with a concentration in writing for children and young adults from the New School.