When The World Was Happy

When The World Was Happy by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is out now, published October 13, 2026.

See if this book is on Audible

When The World Was Happy

Buy Now on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

When The World Was Happy Release Date: October 13, 2026

Published

A heartrending but uplifting tale of twins and their group of friends who are forced to navigate life, relationships, and grief after their world is turned upside down from New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

CheChe knows that he and his twin sister Emma lead an unusual life. They enjoy spending time with their parents and grandparents, love to read, and don’t have a huge circle of friends—and they’re happy. Then, just a few months after they turn seventeen, three gunmen show up one morning at their El Paso, Texas, high school, and everything changes.

CheChe loses a leg, and both he and Emma have friends who die. Suddenly, the world feels like a very different place. But what they find hasn’t changed—or has only gotten deeper—is their love for their family, their close friends, and one another, and as they begin to heal, they create their own little community, one that wields the power of humor, kindness, and hope.

CheChe finds himself doing all kinds of things he never expected from his junior relearning to walk, falling in love with the boy he’s nursed a longtime crush on, making friends with a kid he always found intimidating. By the end of this life-changing school year, none of them will be the same, and many of them will have found their voices in ways they never imagined.

Buy Now on Amazon

📚 Ready to read? Secure your copy today and be among the first to enjoy this release.

Reader Anticipation Rating:
[Average Rating: 0]

Genre: LGBTQ+, Young Adult

Benjamin Alire Sáenz

More books from Benjamin Alire Sáenz

🎧 While You Wait for When The World Was Happy

Prefer audiobooks?

Check Audible to see if When The World Was Happy is available to listen to.

Start a free trial and get your first audiobook free.

✔ Listen while commuting or relaxing
✔ Your first audiobook is free with the trial
✔ Cancel anytime

Start Audible Free Trial

Recommended Book Release Guides

Similar Books Liked By Our Readers

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *