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Two teen boys grapple with identity and accountability and set off a ripple effect within their community after a school assembly is disrupted by a shouted slur.
Freshmen Dayton and Farshid couldn't be more different-or so it seems.
When Dayton takes a dare and shouts the f-slur at a visiting author during a school event, it sets off a chain reaction that forces both boys to face parts of themselves they'd rather ignore.
Dayton, grappling with the fallout of his actions, faces rejection from his friends, disappointment from his parents, and a growing awareness of the harm he's caused. Meanwhile, Farshid is left to untangle his own feelings-about himself and about the quiet struggle of coming to terms with his queerness in a world steeped in heteronormativity.
As their lives unexpectedly intersect, Dayton and Farshid must reckon with what kind of men they want to become and whether they have the courage to defy toxic masculinity and societal expectations.
Timely, raw, and deeply thought-provoking, this novel is perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Nic Stone. Adib Khorram is a queer Iranian-American author. His critically acclaimed novels include DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY, DARIUS THE GREAT DESERVES BETTER, KISS & TELL, and THE BREAK UP LISTS. When he's not writing, he enjoys yoga, figure skating, electric guitar, food, wine, tea, board games, and explaining to people why Kansas City has the best barbecue. You can find him on online at adibkhorram.com.
Freshmen Dayton and Farshid couldn't be more different-or so it seems.
When Dayton takes a dare and shouts the f-slur at a visiting author during a school event, it sets off a chain reaction that forces both boys to face parts of themselves they'd rather ignore.
Dayton, grappling with the fallout of his actions, faces rejection from his friends, disappointment from his parents, and a growing awareness of the harm he's caused. Meanwhile, Farshid is left to untangle his own feelings-about himself and about the quiet struggle of coming to terms with his queerness in a world steeped in heteronormativity.
As their lives unexpectedly intersect, Dayton and Farshid must reckon with what kind of men they want to become and whether they have the courage to defy toxic masculinity and societal expectations.
Timely, raw, and deeply thought-provoking, this novel is perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Nic Stone. Adib Khorram is a queer Iranian-American author. His critically acclaimed novels include DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY, DARIUS THE GREAT DESERVES BETTER, KISS & TELL, and THE BREAK UP LISTS. When he's not writing, he enjoys yoga, figure skating, electric guitar, food, wine, tea, board games, and explaining to people why Kansas City has the best barbecue. You can find him on online at adibkhorram.com.
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Reviews
"Thoughtfully weaving their stories together, Khorram adeptly explores the nuances of personal character amid the complex context of public shaming. A formidable tale highlighting the repercussions of homophobia in high school."
Kirkus
"★"Khorram impresses with this searing, deeply felt dual-POV novel. . . . Urgent second-person narration expertly nails both teens' insecurities and self-perception. The result is a powerfully relevant and affirming story about trying to connect with oneself while navigating homophobia, misogyny, and toxic masculinity."
Publishers Weekly, starred review
"★ "A fantastic portrayal with so many facets: how one poor choice can spiral, how fitness culture can be detrimental to young men, how slurs used while 'just joking' cause harm, and how starting high school is really hard. Both boys are sympathetic characters who learn and grow; they are easy to root for. . . . A must have."
School Library Journal, starred review