Creating Chaos

Themes of insecurity, jealousy, and loyalty stand center stage in this uneven dramatic romance. After being bullied for years, Gideon Stryker loathes high school and just wants to lay low until graduation. New to town, Elliott Oakley has his own reasons for wanting to keep a low profile during his final year of high school; openly gay at his old school, Elliott felt targeted and abused there. As their senior year begins at Hillside High, in Durham, N.C., Gideon and Elliott become chemistry partners and fast friends, and soon, their mutual attraction leads to a relationship. Their pasts hinder the new romance, though. Bisexual, award-winning dancer Gideon has a spiteful ex, and Elliott, a drag racer and two-time Rookie of the Year, struggles with grief over his mother’s death to cancer and resentment toward his father. The plot moves slowly, due in part to overlapping dual narratives that lack focus. Yet a tale about vulnerable LGBTQ teens willing to stand up and sacrifice for each other will gratify many readers. Ages 14–up. [em](BookLife) [/em]