
A novel in verse following J--, a neurodivergent trans girl and the child of Russian Jewish immigrants, from fifth through seventh grade. She feels she must be good for her parents, her teachers and the Guests in Coaster Boss, the theme-park video game that is both her escape and a mirror of her mental health. Struggling with an ADHD diagnosis, loneliness and an abusive home, she develops an overwhelming crush on a classmate named Junie, which leads to a rivalry with Junie's friend Garrison, before finding a new friendship with Sam, a nonbinary classmate.
Details
| ISBN | 9780593696514 |
|---|---|
| Copyright Date | 2025 |
| Publication Date | March 11, 2025 |
| Publisher | Kokila |
| Format | Hardcover |
| No. of Pages | 448 |
| Language | English |
| Notes | Winner, 2026 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Middle Grade. Novel in verse. Ages 10-14. Protagonist is a trans girl with a crush on a girl. |
| Rating | Good |
| Genre | Award Winner; Children; Trans & Gender Identity |
| Subject | Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; Child abuse; Crushes; Jewish families; Neurodivergent children; Novels in verse; Russian Americans; Transgender girls; Video games |