Emery Lord's biggest strengths are in character development and a quietly effective writing style. Both are on display here and ''The Names They Gave Us'' is an engaging and absorbing read that balances coming-of-age, family crisis and teen romance to great effect. I would have liked just a little less worthiness, is all.
Julia Green also writes wonderful character arcs for girls in romantic coming-of-age stories. Try [[This Northern Sky by Julia Green|This Northern Sky]] or [[Drawing with Light by Julia Green|Drawing with Light]]. You might also enjoy [[When We Collided by Emery Lord]].
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