
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is beginning to ask questions about the complexities of attraction, particularly when those feelings don't fit into neat boxes. Alex Sanchez provides a realistic and compassionate look at four teenagers navigating the labels of gay, straight, and bisexual while dealing with the pressures of high school and family expectations. The story centers on Lance and Sergio, whose new romance is tested by insecurity and outside perceptions, alongside Allie and Kim, who are discovering unexpected feelings for each other. This is an essential choice for parents looking to support a child through the nuances of identity and the realization that love and friendship are rarely simple. It is most appropriate for older teens due to its honest exploration of romance and self discovery.
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Sign in to write a reviewOccasional use of mild profanity and some slurs used in a derogatory context by peers.
Depictions of underage drinking at a party.
Characters experience biphobia and homophobic comments from peers.
The book deals directly with sexual identity, biphobia, and coming out. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the social and emotional hurdles of being LGBTQ+ in a high school setting. The resolution is hopeful and validating, emphasizing self acceptance over perfect solutions.
A 15 or 16 year old who feels like they are living in a 'gray area' of identity, or a teen who is struggling to understand why their feelings for someone don't match the labels they have used in the past.
Parents should be aware of scenes involving teenage drinking and realistic depictions of physical intimacy (kissing and making out), though it remains within the YA 'sweet' romance territory. It can be read cold but offers great opportunities to discuss stereotypes within the LGBTQ+ community. A parent might choose this after hearing their teen express confusion about their orientation or after witnessing their child experience 'labels' being forced upon them by peers.
Younger teens (14) will likely focus on the 'will they/won't they' romance. Older teens (17-18) will better appreciate the nuanced commentary on bisexual erasure and the complexity of changing identities.
Unlike many YA novels of its era that focused on 'coming out,' this book focuses on the nuance of 'being out' and the specific challenges of bisexuality and fluid identity within the queer community.
The narrative follows four teenagers in a dual storyline. Lance, who is gay, begins dating Sergio, who identifies as bisexual. Lance struggles with insecurity and biphobia, fearing Sergio will eventually leave him for a girl. Meanwhile, Allie, who has a long term boyfriend, finds herself falling for Kim, a lesbian. The story explores the friction between internal identity and external labels as these four lives intersect.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.