Stay Gold

In theory, Vans-wearing new kid Pony should have nothing in common with popular cheerleader Georgia, but when they see each other on the first day at their Texas high school, it feels, as Georgia says, like their “eyes just made out.” They quickly become friends and maybe more, though Georgia is technically not dating at the moment, after being cheated on. But 17-year-old Pony is keeping his trans identity to himself, going stealth following “a year of too much attention” post-transition. Cisgender Georgia is struggling with her own image: bored with cheerleading and wanting to become a writer, she feels like she’s made herself into someone she no longer wishes to be. As the two grow closer and homecoming approaches, Pony is pretty sure his heart is going to be broken. Debut author McSmith, himself transgender, doesn’t soft-pedal Pony’s difficulties—his father’s lack of acceptance and the ever-present risk of prejudicial violence—but he also gives Pony and Georgia funny, flirty dialogue with a rom-com vibe. And it’s a rom-com with heart and purpose: when the traditional pranks between the football team and the cheerleaders veer into homophobic jeers, Georgia and Pony find their voices, fight for justice, honor The Outsiders (the source of Pony’s name), and maybe even find love. Ages 14–up. [em]Agent: Tina Dubois, ICM Partners. (May) [/em]