Breakup, Makeup

Anthony’s layered debut follows 19-year-old transgender nonbinary Eli Peterson as they compete against their ex-boyfriend to win a scholarship to Beyond, an elite special effects and costume design school. The competition, Makeup Wars, requires participants to showcase their makeup skills and cosplaying talent in accordance with varying themes; Eli hopes to use the win to turn their status as a megapopular beauty influencer into a career as an SFX artist. When they learn that their ex-boyfriend, Zachary Miller, will also be participating, longing for Zach—compounded by Eli’s belief that the two weren’t compatible due to their disparate financial situations—prompts feelings of self-doubt. While managing their lingering love for Zach, Eli also stresses about saving money for top surgery. As the competition grows more heated, Eli must confront their insecurities if they hope to win. Luckily, a cast of intersectionally inclusive friends and rivals support Eli as they work toward overcoming their trauma-informed belief that they have to be “their own safety net” to survive. Anthony’s organic descriptions of makeup, cosplay, and convention culture add texture to this inspiring story about self-acceptance and second chances. Most characters cue as white. Ages 13–up. Agent: Paige Wheeler, CMA. (May)