there’s something about YA novels telling coming-of-age stories highlighting diversity using free verse poetry that just GETS ME.

i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again— read books from and about people who are different from you! whether it’s race or religion or sexuality or family dynamics or nationality or WHATEVER. it’s good for you and IMPORTANT.

this story of michael growing up and discovering his identity and learning how to express it confidently and navigate relationships and prejudices was powerful. i learned more about the world of drag from reading this one, something i’m very unfamiliar with! it’s a fast read but a meaningful one, and i appreciated the scope and depth of it.