February 15, 2022
Sixteen-year-old Chicago mural artist Blaine is devastated when Joey, his senior-class-president boyfriend, dumps him on their one-year anniversary. To win Joey back and prove he can be the more serious person Joey wants, junior Blaine gives up his painting job, changes his style, and enters the running for senior class president. With just two days left to gather signatures and prepare a speech--just for a chance to get on the ballot--Blaine recruits his best friend, Trish, as his campaign captain. Also helping are Trish's girlfriend, Camilla, and student council member Danny. After talking to fellow students, Blaine and his team base their campaign around mental health. It seems like a miracle when Blaine manages to win student council approval and become an official candidate. Something strange is afoot, however, as Zach, Joey's new boyfriend and Blaine's election opponent, appoints Joey's close friend Ashtyn as his campaign captain, and Trish suspects there's something fishy about the election results. Matters grow ever more complicated as Blaine struggles with his growing feelings for Danny, his desire to return to painting, and the version of himself he thinks Joey wants. A slow start builds up to a fast-paced second half, and Blaine's conflict between remaining true to himself versus becoming a seemingly more mature, serious person forms a relatable backdrop to the plot. Most central characters default to White; Trish is Black, and Danny is Vietnamese American. A good read with a clear message about authenticity. (Fiction. 14-18)
COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
March 1, 2022
Grades 9-12 When rich, ambitious Joey, who is determined to become the first gay U.S. president, dumps 16-year-old white artist Blaine for not being serious enough, the dumpee is devastated and determines to win Joey back by running for president himself--of the senior class, that is. Helping him are his best friend and campaign captain Trish, who is Black; her girlfriend Camilla; and Danny Nguyen, a Vietnamese American teen who is bi and with whom Joey has a meet-cute over an aloe vera plant (don't ask). Things quickly become complicated: Blaine, who has no political experience and is an unknown at school (he prefers painting murals on local storefronts) is definitely the underdog. Worse, his opponent, Zach, is a serious guy and Joey's new boyfriend. Meanwhile, Blaine is starting to crush on Danny, but does Danny feel the same way? Will Blaine win the election? Stay tuned. Couch (The Sky Blues, 2021) has written an engaging novel with likable characters and a clever plot that requires only a slight suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader. An altogether winning read.
COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
March 28, 2022
In Chicago, muralist Blaine Bowers, a high school junior, is preparing for “the date night of all date nights”—his first anniversary with his senior-class-president boyfriend, Joey, at a swanky restaurant downtown. He’s certain that Joey will ask him on his family’s spring break trip to Cabo, but instead, Joey breaks up with him, citing immense family pressure. Bolstered by his best friend, Trish; her girlfriend, Camilla; and his aunt Starr, Blaine navigates his first big heartbreak—Legally Blonde style. Rather than hide away, Blaine realizes that he needs to become the “Serious Guy” Joey says he wants—and that means running for senior class president. He adapts his style and marshals his forces, with the addition of classmate Danny, and launches himself into the world of school politics, self-discovery, and navigating life’s ups and downs. With panache and an upbeat tone, Couch (The Sky Blues) delivers a lighthearted rom-com pastiche that updates its source material, tackling issues of mental health and self-care, socioeconomic divides, and staying true to oneself. Trish reads as Black, Danny is of Vietnamese descent; all other characters are presumed white. Ages 12–up. Agent: Moe Ferrara, BookEnds Literary.