
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is struggling to bridge the gap between who they are becoming and the expectations of their family or faith community. It is an essential resource for a child who feels they must 'perform' a certain version of themselves to stay safe or loved. The story follows thirteen-year-old Brie, a soap-opera-obsessed aspiring actor who realizes she is attracted to girls. When her mother discovers a secret, Brie panics and tells a lie that spirals, testing her relationships and her sense of integrity. It is a deeply realistic look at the weight of shame and the courage required for radical honesty. Parents will appreciate how it handles the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and Catholic school life with nuance and heart. It is best suited for ages 9 to 13, offering a roadmap for navigating difficult conversations when the stakes feel incredibly high.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewDepicts a middle school crush and internal questioning of sexuality.
Explores feelings of shame and the fear of losing family support.
The book addresses LGBTQ+ identity and religious expectations directly. The approach is secular in its psychological depth but deeply rooted in a religious setting. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: it does not promise a perfect 'happily ever after' but emphasizes the relief of being known.
A 12-year-old who feels like they are wearing a mask at home or school, particularly one who finds comfort in theater, storytelling, or fandom as a way to process their own reality.
Parents should be aware of scenes involving the 'lie' of wanting to be a nun, which might be sensitive for some religious families. The book can be read cold, but be ready to discuss the difference between 'lying to stay safe' and 'lying to avoid discomfort.' A parent might see their child suddenly becoming overly 'perfect' or performative, or perhaps catching their child in a complex lie that seems designed to deflect from their true feelings.
Younger readers (9-10) will focus on the stress of the lie and the school drama; older readers (12-13) will deeply resonate with the identity formation and the nuances of the mother-daughter tension.
Unlike many coming-out stories that ignore religion, this book places the protagonist's faith and her Catholic community at the center, treating it with complexity rather than as a simple villain.
Brie Hutchens is a student at a strict Catholic middle school who dreams of being a famous actor. When her mother accidentally finds her looking at photos of a female celebrity, Brie panics and lies, claiming she wants to be a nun to distract her. The lie grows, involving her school and family, while Brie simultaneously navigates her first crush on a girl named Kennedy. The story focuses on Brie's internal struggle to reconcile her faith, her family's expectations, and her queer identity.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.