
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the digital fallout of a public mistake or is struggling to find their voice within a community that feels unsupportive. Sky Baker is an openly gay high school senior in a small town whose private plan for a romantic 'promposal' is leaked online by an anonymous bully. The story moves beyond the initial pain of cyberbullying to explore how a young person can reclaim their narrative through friendship and collective action. This is a powerful choice for parents of high schoolers who need to see a realistic depiction of navigating social media toxicity while maintaining their integrity and self-worth. It addresses themes of shame and belonging with a hopeful, contemporary lens that feels authentic to the modern teen experience.
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Sign in to write a reviewThemes of homophobia and targeted harassment are central to the plot.
Focuses on crushes, a promposal, and mild teenage romance.
Deals with the emotional weight of public shaming and feelings of isolation.
The book deals directly with homophobia, cyberbullying, and outing. The approach is realistic and secular, acknowledging the systemic nature of small-town prejudice. The resolution is hopeful and empowering but grounded in the reality that change is a process.
A high schooler who feels like an outsider in their own town or school, particularly those navigating the intersection of queer identity and digital privacy.
Parents should be aware of some strong language and the intense depiction of online harassment. The book is best read after a conversation about digital safety and allyship. A parent might see their child withdrawing after a social media incident or expressing fear about being 'too different' to be accepted by their peers.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the mystery of the bully and the romance, while older teens (17 to 18) will likely connect more with the themes of imminent adulthood and the legacy one leaves behind in high school.
Unlike many 'coming out' stories that focus on the internal struggle, Sky is already out. The unique focus here is on the community's reaction and the protagonist's refusal to be silenced by digital hate.
Sky Baker, the only out gay teen in his small Michigan town, plans a secret, elaborate 'promposal' for his crush, Ali. When his private plans are hacked and shared in a hateful, viral email, Sky is ready to hide. Instead, his friends rally around him, sparking a town-wide conversation about identity and inclusion as they work to unmask the perpetrator.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.