As an adult (debatable?) who reads A LOT of middle grade and young adult books, I sometimes feel like a spy, peeking into the ever-murky land of teens and preteens. And sometimes I wonder - is this really what they're like? Drawing on years of being mom, plus those deeply buried memories of my own teen years, I can attest that David Levithan's new YA novel, RYAN AND AVERY, nails it. Yes, these two gorgeous, brave, flawed characters are real and recognizable. And entirely new.
The book is about Ryan and Avery's first ten dates, but not in linear order, because falling in love is messy and complicated and a very nonlinear process that's reflected exquisitely in the meandering structure of this inherently readable novel. Falling in love is also fraught, right? Because there's never just two people in a relationship - no, we've got friends, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins... you get the picture. And for queer kids trying to navigate the occasionally unfriendly waters of being 16, it can be even messier because of all those strangers eager to comment on two boys holding hands.
But make no mistake - this book is joyful, fun, tender, sweet, and hopeful. I think I'm going to go read it again. -Andi
From the New York Times bestselling author of EVERY DAY, this is a queer love story for the ages--told over the course of a couple's first ten dates.
When a blue-haired boy (Ryan) meets a pink-haired boy (Avery) at a dance--a queer prom--both feel an inexplicable but powerful connection. Follow them through their first ten dates as they bridge their initial shyness and fall in love--through snowstorms, groundings, meeting parents (Avery's) and not (Ryan's), cast parties, heartbreak, and every day and date in between.
About the Author
David Levithan is the author of several books for young adults, including Lambda Literary Award winner Two Boys Kissing; Every Day; Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist and Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares (co-authored with Rachel Cohn); Will Grayson, Will Grayson (co-authored with John Green); and Boy Meets Boy. In 2016, David received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for his significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.
Praise For…
★ "A swoon-worthy LGBTQIA+ romance with a lot of heart." —School Library Journal, starred review
"Forefronts the power and gravity of all-encompassing first love." —Publishers Weekly
"Levithan’s quietly musing prose overflows with earnest emotion and understanding....An intimate unfurling of first love." —Kirkus Reviews
"This book falls within such a range of readership: queerness is also (another) book of two boys kissing and high-octane drama, for those deserving audiences seeking lives resembling their own in the romance genre." —The Bulletin
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