Neal Shusterman recently spoke about his new novel, *Break To You*, which explores the intense relationship between two teenagers who navigate challenging circumstances and unjust systems in the name of love. The book is set to be released on July 2nd and is co-authored with Debra Young and Michelle Knowlden.
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Reflecting on the past 18 months since their last discussion, Shusterman shared that he has been busy traveling across the US for the promotion of his graphic novel *Courage to Dream* and the second installment of the NOAH Files series, *Shock the Monkey*, written with Eric Elfman. He visited 43 schools in one month and participated in several international events across countries like Brazil, South Korea, and Spain, which inspired him greatly. Recently, he completed the first draft of his upcoming novel *All Better Now*, set for release in February, and is also working on a prequel for *Scythe*.
When asked to summarize *Break To You* in five words, Shusterman described it as "Romeo and Juliet in Juvie." He emphasized that while the story incorporates elements of romance, it aims to appeal to a broad audience, featuring strong characters such as Adriana and Jon. Shusterman explained that the novel was inspired by the perspectives on isolation revealed during the COVID lockdown, specifically regarding the effects of incarceration on youth. He aims to shed light on young people in the juvenile justice system and advocate for their humanity and potential.
The collaborative writing process was an integral part of creating *Break To You*. Shusterman worked closely with Young and Knowlden, contributing their distinct narrative strengths. He reflected on the loss of Young, who passed away before the book's release, expressing admiration for her contributions and acknowledging her presence in the final work.
Shusterman highlighted several moments from the book that he found particularly rewarding, including key turning points in the characters' journeys. He expressed hope that readers will understand the shortcomings of the juvenile detention system and recognize the dreams and aspirations of youth within it.
Looking ahead, Shusterman has plans for a book tour that includes stops in Southern California, New York, and Chicago, as well as international visits to Tokyo, Beijing, and Shanghai. He also mentioned hosting a writers' retreat soon and working on the TV adaptation of *Scythe*.
Lastly, he shared his excitement for upcoming books, particularly *Ruin Road* by Lamar Giles, and is currently reading *The Wager* by David Grann, while attempting to tackle *Infinite Jest* by David Foster Wallace for the third time.