Every time I read a recent YA novel, I get giddy at the thought of all the actual young adults who get to read these books, to see themselves in these books, to learn that it’s okay to question your identity, to make mistakes and grow, and most importantly to recognise that every single person deserves love and respect and happiness 🥰

.

Although Felix Ever After does have plenty of 🥰 moments, Callender also addresses very serious issues. It reminded me a little of In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado, who helped break the silence around domestic abuse in same-sex relationships. With Felix Ever After, Callender highlights the prejudices that exist within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as society at large. Felix has always felt like he has ‘one identity too many’, being Black and trans and queer. And unfortunately there are folk within the supposed safe space of the LGBTQ+ community who agree with him.

.

I particularly loved the discussion around labels in this book. I think the gut instinct can sometimes be labels = bad, and indeed they can be restrictive - if you let them! But Callender explores the idea that labels can be mutable, and also that labels can help people validate their own experiences, knowing other people have shared them too.

.

It did make me feel very old though, these young’uns out partying til sunrise 😂 @owlslittlelibrary mentioned in a recent review about YA that is *actually* YA! This book is 100% perfect for its target audience and that is a precious thing.