
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the weight of expectations, the pain of hiding their true self, or the feeling that the world is a hostile place. It is an essential choice for supporting a child who feels isolated by their identity or who is navigating the complexities of a blended family and past trauma. The story follows Kole, who has moved to St. Thomas to live with his father and is masking his sexuality, and Gabriel, a local boy facing transphobia and financial hardship. As they find refuge in one another, the book explores themes of resilience, the restorative power of being seen, and the courage required to live authentically. It is a deeply moving and realistic portrayal of young love as a survival mechanism, best suited for mature readers aged 14 and up due to its raw exploration of identity-based bullying and physical abuse.
Strong themes of isolation, poverty, and feeling like there is no future.
References to physical abuse and injuries, though some occur off-page.
Physical abuse and domestic violence (Kole hiding bruises and injuries from his father), transphobia and targeted harassment, financial instability and poverty, and references to past trauma and emotional neglect.
A high schooler who feels they are living a double life to ensure their safety. This is for the teen who feels the world is inherently hostile and needs to see that while pain is real, it does not have to be the end of their story.
This book can be read cold by older teens, but parents of younger teens should be aware of the depictions of physical abuse and the intensity of the transphobic threats Gabriel faces. Previewing the scenes where Kole explains away his injuries is recommended. A parent hears their child say they don't feel safe being themselves at school or at home, or perhaps they notice their child is becoming increasingly withdrawn and secretive about their physical well-being.
A 14-year-old will focus on the romantic connection and the high stakes of the social conflict. An 18-year-old will better grasp the systemic issues of poverty and the long-term psychological impact of the trauma the boys carry.
Unlike many YA romances that focus on the discovery of identity, this book centers on the survival of identity. It is a gritty, realistic look at how young people in marginalized positions must navigate physical danger while still reaching for joy.
Kole moves to St. Thomas to live with his father and a new family, hiding the bruises on his body and hiding his sexuality out of fear. He meets Gabriel, a local boy who is navigating extreme transphobia, misgendering, and the weight of poverty as his single mother struggles to make ends meet. The two form a deep, protective bond as they face external threats and the internal scars of their pasts.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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