Vanilla

"Vanilla" is a young adult novel in verse that delves into the evolving relationship between two teenage boys, Van (nicknamed Vanilla) and Hunter. Their bond, which began before high school, is tested when Hunter desires a physical relationship, and Vanilla is unsure. The book sensitively explores themes of first love, sexual identity, peer pressure, and the importance of personal boundaries and self-acceptance. It offers a nuanced look at the emotional complexities of growing up and navigating intimacy, particularly within an LGBTQ+ context.