This was a beautiful book. Being in verse let it stay kind of simple while constantly getting to the heart of Michael's growth in general and in his identities. Atta crafts a lovingly messy and multifaceted (and real) journey for Michael, including moments of confusion and defeat and hesitation as well as triumph and confidence. This book, especially a recurring relationship throughout it, reminded me of Moonlight, which is mentioned several times. The tender, loving lens on the toxic directions we're sometimes forced to grow in before we are able to come into our own. The epilogue is beautiful and stands on its own - I want to pin it up in every middle and high school.