Julie Buxbaum's Tell Me Three Things deftly combines heartfelt emotion with a touch of mystery. Readers appreciate its relatable protagonist and genuine exploration of grief and new beginnings. However, some critique its predictability and occasional reliance on clichés. Overall, it's a touching, engaging read that resonates with a YA audience.

Readers who would enjoy Julie Buxbaum's Tell Me Three Things are typically fans of contemporary young adult fiction that explores themes of grief, self-discovery, and romance. Comparable books include Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli and If I Stay by Gayle Forman.

In Tell Me Three Things, sixteen-year-old Jessie Holmes navigates her junior year at a new high school in Los Angeles after moving from Chicago with her father, following her mother's death. She receives anonymous messages from "Somebody Nobody" (SN), who helps her adjust and eventually becomes a significant figure in her life. As Jessie makes new friends and learns to cope, she is determined to uncover SN's identity. 

The protagonist's mother passed away from cancer.

Heartwarming / Romantic / Humorous / Emotional / Hopeful

- Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum was her debut young adult novel, published in 2016, marking her first foray into writing for the YA audience after having authored adult fiction.
- The novel gained considerable recognition and was included in the Junior Library Guild Selection, highlighting its appeal and quality for young adult readers.
- Julie Buxbaum was inspired to write Tell Me Three Things after becoming fascinated with the idea of anonymity and online connections, which echoes the book's plot of receiving anonymous emails.

**Jessie Holmes**  
The sixteen-year-old narrator and protagonist who navigates the challenges of moving from Chicago to LA and starting high school anew while dealing with her mother's death.

**Somebody Nobody (SN)/Ethan Marks**  
A pseudonymous classmate who becomes Jessie's "virtual spirit guide" and provides her emotional support through emails, helping her feel less alone in a new environment.

**Theo Scott**  
Jessie's stepbrother, a theatrical and lively junior at Wood Valley, who initially resents Jessie's arrival but eventually forms a supportive and meaningful sibling relationship with her.

**Scarlett (Scar) Schwartz**  
Jessie's childhood best friend from Chicago, known for her bold and fearless personality, who maintains a close friendship with Jessie through frequent virtual communication.

**Adrianna (Dri) Sanchez**  
Jessie's first true friend at Wood Valley, who shares similar unnoticeable feelings at school and supports Jessie in her transition to her new life.

**Liam Sandler**  
A friendly senior at Wood Valley and ambitious musician, who works with Jessie at his mom's bookstore, and is initially a potential romantic interest.

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Chapters 5-9

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