For teens navigating the awkwardness of high school crushes and the daunting task of asking someone to prom, this book offers a hilarious and relatable journey.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is feeling anxious about social milestones like school dances or asking someone out. It perfectly captures the overthinking and awkwardness that can make these moments feel monumental. The story follows Nolan, a gay high school junior with a foolproof, multi-step plan to ask his crush to prom, a plan that goes disastrously and hilariously wrong at every turn, thanks in part to his meddling older sister. This lighthearted rom-com deals with themes of self-confidence, friendship, and the courage to be yourself. It's a funny, low-stakes read for teens 13 and up that normalizes social anxiety and shows that the perfect plan is often no plan at all.
There is a scene at a high school party where underage drinking is mentioned.
Sensitive Topics
The book's main identity focus is on its LGBTQ+ characters (Nolan is gay, his sister is a lesbian). The approach is direct, secular, and completely normalized within the family and school setting. The conflict does not stem from their identity but from universal teen experiences like crushes and social anxiety. The resolution is hopeful and affirming, focusing on self-acceptance and healthy relationships.
Ideal Reader
A teen (ages 13-16) who struggles with social anxiety, overthinking, or the pressure to make high school experiences 'perfect'. This book is perfect for a reader who would appreciate a funny, low-stakes story that validates feelings of awkwardness. It is an excellent choice for an LGBTQ+ teen looking for a joyful, lighthearted romance where queer identity is a given, not a conflict.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed; the book can be read cold. The tone is light and the content is age-appropriate. Parents should know that the supportive family dynamic and the casual, positive representation of gay and lesbian siblings are central to the story. It is a very safe and affirming read. A parent hears their teen expressing intense stress about an upcoming dance, asking someone out, or a big social event. The teen might say things like, "I'm going to mess it up," "This is so awkward, I can't do it," or "Why can't I just be normal?"
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-14) will likely focus on the slapstick humor of Nolan's failed plans and the sweet, budding romance. An older teen (15-17) will connect more deeply with the internal monologue of anxiety, the nuanced sibling relationship, and the theme of letting go of expectations to find what truly makes you happy.
What Makes It Special
Among a sea of YA rom-coms, this one stands out for its genuinely funny, male-led narrative focused on social anxiety. It's a queer romance that completely skips the 'coming out' trauma narrative, instead presenting a story where LGBTQ+ identity is simply a fact of life, allowing the universal humor of teenage awkwardness to take center stage. The strong, comedic sibling dynamic is another key feature.
Read plot summary
Nolan, a high school junior, is determined to ask his crush, Si O'Connell, to prom. To combat his anxiety, he creates a meticulous three-step plan. However, his efforts are continually thwarted by bad luck and the well-meaning but chaotic meddling of his older sister, Daphne, who is home from college. Each failed attempt is more cringe-worthy and hilarious than the last, forcing Nolan to confront his own insecurities, his changing feelings, and the true nature of his friendships, particularly with his friend Bern. The story is a classic YA rom-com focused on the journey of self-discovery amidst social chaos.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Nolan's sister, Daphne, tries to help but often makes things much worse. When is it okay for a family member to get involved in your problems, and when should they let you handle things yourself?
2
Nolan creates a very detailed three-step plan to ask Si to prom. Why do you think he felt the need for such a rigid plan? Have you ever over-planned something because you were nervous?
3
At the disastrous party, Nolan has a moment of realization about what he actually wants versus what he thought he should want. How did your opinion of characters like Si and Bern change along with Nolan's?
4
This book treats Nolan's identity as a gay teen as a normal part of his life, not a source of conflict. How does this compare to other books or movies you've seen with LGBTQ+ characters?
