For the Greatest Good

A queer teen confronts the messy realities of activism and family in this sobering story from Hanson (America’s Not-So-Sweetheart) set against the backdrop of the climate crisis. Small-town high schooler Gavin loves Pondville, Ark., despite its flaws: the water in Pondville isn’t safe to drink, and the town’s crumbling infrastructure means frequent water main breaks and persistently poor water quality. As an intern at town hall, Gavin sees firsthand how little progress is being made toward bettering residents’ circumstances and how easily those in power look the other way. Frustrated but determined, Gavin and his best friend MacKenzie, a fellow intern and passionate activist, take matters into their own hands. The plan is to persuade Gavin’s estranged father—newly promoted at CrispFlow, a massive public utilities conglomerate—to steer a $500,000 grant toward Pondville’s failing water system. As the scheme unfolds, and moral and personal complications pile up, Gavin struggles to reconcile bitterness surrounding his relationship with his dad and feelings of responsibility for Pondville. Grounded first-person narration and urgent messaging deftly render Gavin’s fierce devotion to his hometown and capture the uncertainty facing teens in hazardous living conditions. Complex interpersonal relationships lend the story emotional depth, while the climate-focused plot emphasizes timely concerns. It adds up to a reflective exploration of accountability, advocacy, and hope. Ages 14–up. Agent: Ismita Hussain, Great Dog Literary. (June)