They Hate Each Other

Two bisexual high school seniors—and longtime rivals—commence a prolonged fake-dating scheme in Woody’s raucous debut. For the teens’ classmates, the public verbal sparring between charismatic Jonah Collins and introverted Dylan Ramírez is seen as something of a sporting event. Though Jonah thinks Dylan is a rich “Prissy Prince” and Dylan views Jonah as an egotistical jerk, their friends are convinced that their constant quarreling is just a way to unleash their repressed sexual tension. When a party at Dylan’s house ends with Jonah passed out drunk in Dylan’s bed, they’re certain their friends won’t believe that nothing happened between them. So the pair resolve to playact a romantic relationship, planning out public kisses and cuddle sessions that will culminate in a dissolution at winter break. Revelations about one another’s personal lives, brought to light by their newfound intimacy, lead to insightful realizations surrounding the assumptions they’ve made about themselves and each other. The boys’ banter sizzles and delights, but Woody’s true power shows through in the intricately realized characters’ tender depictions of support, kindness, and capacity for change. Jonah is white; Dylan is of Mexican and Afro-Latino Brazilian descent. Ages 14–up. Agent: Suzie Townshend, New Leaf Literary & Media. (May)