
Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the complex intersection of personal identity and religious community, especially during a season of major transition. This story follows Joanna, a confident out lesbian who agrees to go back into the closet for her final year of high school to support her father's new ministry in a conservative Georgia town. It explores the heavy weight of 'lying by omission' and the tension that arises when the promise of family harmony clashes with the integrity of one's heart. It is a nuanced look at faith, first love, and the courage required to be authentic when the stakes feel incredibly high. Parents will appreciate the respectful treatment of religion alongside the realistic, healthy portrayal of a girl finding her voice. Suitable for ages 14 and up due to mature themes of identity and romance.
Sweet, realistic teen romance with some kissing and physical chemistry.
Brief mentions of underage drinking at a party.
None.
A teenager who feels caught between their personal identity and the expectations of their religious community or family. It is perfect for a reader who is looking for a story where faith and queer identity coexist rather than being in permanent opposition.
This book can be read cold. Parents may want to discuss the ethics of the father's request to ensure the child understands that hiding one's identity should never be a requirement for parental love or professional success. A parent might notice their child withdrawing from community activities they once loved, or perhaps the child has expressed fear that their authentic self will cause trouble for the family's reputation.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the excitement and butterflies of the first crush. Older teens (17-18) will likely resonate more with the complex moral dilemma of the 'promise' and the nuances of navigating conservative social structures before heading to college.
Unlike many stories that frame religion as the antagonist to queer identity, this book features a supportive, religious father and explores how faith can be a tool for inclusion rather than exclusion.
Joanna is an out and proud lesbian living in Atlanta with her supportive, progressive radio evangelist father. When her father remarries and moves the family to a small, conservative town in Georgia, he asks Joanna to keep her sexuality a secret for one year to help him establish his new ministry. Joanna reluctantly agrees, but her resolve is tested when she meets Mary Alice, a girl who makes her want to break her promise and live authentically. The story follows her internal conflict between loyalty to her father and her own integrity.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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