
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the isolation of being different, whether they are navigating neurodivergence, gender identity, or the lingering trauma of bullying. It is a powerful choice for families looking to validate the experience of a child who feels they have to hide parts of themselves to stay safe. The story follows Sam Sylvester, a nonbinary autistic teen who moves to a new town to escape a past of violent transphobia. While Sam attempts to start over, they become obsessed with an unsolved 1980s mystery involving a boy who died in their new home. Through this investigation, the book explores profound themes of self-confidence, justice, and the healing power of a supportive community. It is a sophisticated, realistic mystery that handles heavy topics with deep empathy and resilience.
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Sign in to write a reviewDepictions of severe transphobia, bullying, and systemic bias.
Themes of PTSD, death of a child, and the struggle to feel safe.
Occasional strong language consistent with YA realistic fiction.
Ghostly occurrences and moments of high tension during the mystery investigation.
The book deals directly and realistically with transphobia, violent hate crimes, and PTSD. These are handled through a secular lens with a focus on psychological healing. While the violence is described, the resolution is hopeful, emphasizing recovery and the importance of 'living fully' rather than just surviving.
A high schooler who feels like an outsider, particularly those who are neurodivergent or gender-diverse, and who enjoys 'detective' narratives where the protagonist's unique brain is their greatest strength.
Parents should be aware of a graphic flashback involving a near-death experience due to a hate crime. It is helpful to read this alongside a teen to discuss safety, allyship, and the importance of chosen family. A parent might notice their child retreating into themselves, showing signs of social anxiety, or expressing fear that they will never find 'their people' after a move or a difficult school year.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the ghost story and friendship dynamics. Older teens will more deeply process the nuance of Sam's intersectional identity and the systemic nature of the injustice presented.
This is one of the few mysteries that successfully intertwines a cold-case thriller with a deeply authentic portrayal of the sensory and social experiences of an autistic, nonbinary protagonist without making those traits the 'problem' to be solved.
Sam Sylvester, a nonbinary autistic teen, moves to Astoria, Oregon with their supportive adoptive father to escape a near-fatal hate crime. They move into a house where a boy named Billy died under mysterious circumstances exactly thirty years prior. As Sam investigates the cold case with new friends, they must confront their own PTSD while realizing that the past and present are more connected than they thought.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.