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In his small Georgia town, Barclay Elliot is basically a legend. Here basketball is all that matters, and no one has a bigger spotlight than Barclay. Until he decides to use the biggest pep rally in the town's history to come out to his school. And things change. Quickly.
Barclay is faced with hostility he never expected. Suddenly he is at odds with his own team, and he doesn't even have his grandfather to turn to the way he used to. But who is Barclay if he doesn't have basketball?
His best friend, Amy, thinks she knows. She drags him to her voting rights group, believing Barclay can find a bigger purpose. And he does, but he also finds Christopher. Aggravating, fearless, undeniably handsome Christopher. He and Barclay have never been each other's biggest fans, but as Barclay starts to explore parts of himself he's been hiding away, they find they might have much more in common than they originally thought.
As sparks turn into something more, though, Barclay has to decide if he's ready to confront the privilege and popularity that have shielded him his entire life. Can he take a real shot at the love he was fighting for in the first place?
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
May 30, 2023 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781797157917
- File size: 226100 KB
- Duration: 07:51:02
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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March 20, 2023
Actor Hayes (Plum) and debut author Milliner, a producer, team up with Greenwald (Sizzle Reel, for adults) to craft a timely queer romance that unfolds amid the world of small-town social politics. Since his beloved grandfather’s recent death, basketball star Barclay has endeavored to live his “fullest life,” which means coming out as gay to his friends and loved ones. He announces the news on his 16th birthday, during his captain’s speech at a school pep rally, but instead of the cheers and support he expected, his declaration is met with foreboding silence. Afterward, it feels as if his school turns against him: he’s labeled an attention seeker, he overhears discussions regarding whether he should remain on the squad, and his teammates are openly homophobic. Fed up with the harassment, Barclay quits basketball and joins the school newspaper staff, where he meets and develops feelings for handsome, opinionated classmate Christopher, who helps Barclay report on the injustices and corruption occurring in their conservative Georgia community. Vibrant, well-defined characters add credibility to issues surrounding grief, love, and prejudice, while meticulous pacing and careful attention to the bureaucracy of towns ruled by local sports giants coalesce into a seamless, engrossing read. Ages 12–up. -
Kevin R. Free offers a nuanced and heartfelt narration of this story about small-town politics, identity, and true friendship. Sixteen-year-old Barclay Elliot, captain of a small-town Georgia basketball team, always regretted not telling his grandfather, Scratch, that he is gay. Now, a month after Scratch's death, Barclay comes out to his entire community during the season's first pep rally. Free captures the ups and downs of Barclay's journey--from the exhilaration of his decision to come out to his bitter rage when he is rejected and bullied by many he considered friends. Free is in his element as he deftly portrays Barclay's growth, spurred on by his loving and loyal friend group. A sensitively narrated story that charms, outrages, and ultimately inspires. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
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