Why The Secrets?, by Athalia Monae, is a family story about lies and trust, and ultimately what makes a family.  When Queen was a young girl, her father disappeared one day, and her mother would never talk about it. As she gets older, her curiosity about her missing father only grows. She wonders how she could be so loved by both her parents (it’s no coincidence they named their sweet, beloved baby girl Queen), and then just never see her father again.

I enjoyed the nuanced and evolving family relationships shown in this novel. Queen is a sweet and smart protagonist, and the book gives readers a chance to see her mature and grow. This is a good choice for readers who enjoy character-driven fiction. I also enjoyed the warm family moments in this story.