Mia Kerick Livres

The story explores the complex relationship between high school senior Kai Manter and his coworker Jamie Arlotta, a freshman with a troubled past. While Kai is confident and openly embraces his sexuality, Jamie struggles with the emotional scars from years of abuse, leading him to build defenses against intimacy. As Kai pursues a connection with Jamie, the narrative delves into themes of vulnerability, healing, and the challenges of opening up to love amid trauma.

Kale Oswald, a sixteen-year-old aspiring hippie, struggles to embrace his new identity while trying to join a local human rights organization. Despite his enthusiasm for world peace, his efforts are limited to tie-dying T-shirts with grape juice, highlighting his challenges in fitting into the activist community. The story explores themes of self-discovery and the quest for belonging amidst the backdrop of a larger movement for change.

In their senior year, three friends—Henry, Brody, and Danny—navigate the complexities of evolving feelings as they confront their growing romantic attraction to each other. Their journey is fraught with external challenges and internal struggles, requiring immense courage and commitment to embrace their true selves. As they grapple with their emotions and societal expectations, the boys must decide if they can move forward together in love.

Facing a pivotal moment in his life, Philippe Bergeron transitions from a solitary life fishing off the New England coast to navigating the vibrant yet overwhelming landscape of New York City. After a shoulder injury derails his dream of reclusiveness, he takes on the responsibility of chaperoning his teenage niece, Sophie, as she explores the city's renowned dance programs. This journey not only challenges Philippe to reconnect with family but also forces him to confront his own aspirations and identity amidst the city's bright lights.

Navigating the challenges of high school, Benjamin Wells and Timmy Norton confront the pressures of family responsibilities that test their longtime friendship. As Ben struggles to meet his father's expectations and Timmy juggles caring for his younger sisters, their bond begins to fray. Ben becomes increasingly aware of Timmy's emotional distance and his own burgeoning feelings, creating tension between them. The story explores themes of love, denial, and the complexities of growing up, as both boys grapple with their changing relationship amidst personal struggles.

The narrative follows Joey Kinkaid, who embraced her identity as a girl despite being assigned male at birth. As a child, she captivated her neighborhood friends with imaginative adventures, embodying her royal persona. However, as she grows older, the enchantment of her childhood fades, leaving her feeling isolated and disconnected from the magic that once defined her life. The story explores themes of identity, nostalgia, and the loss of childhood innocence.

Struggling with a painful past, Brett Taylor seeks solitude in a small town, working at a bar while indulging in fishing and dirt bike racing. His determination to remain independent is challenged when he unexpectedly encounters someone who disrupts his plans for isolation, forcing him to confront his feelings and the possibility of connection.

The protagonist, Van Liss, is a high school senior who feels more like a scarecrow than a human, grappling with deep emotional scars inflicted by his selfish mother and her abusive boyfriend. Isolated and filled with bitterness, he struggles with his identity and the haunting loneliness that defines his existence. As he navigates his final year of high school, Van must confront his past and the feelings he has long suppressed.

Robby Dalton embodies the ideal all-American boy, molded by his father's expectations in sports and career. Despite his outward success, he struggles with emotional connections and has never considered his sexuality. A chance encounter with Savannah Meyers intrigues him, leading him to hope for a meaningful relationship. As he navigates this new connection, Robby begins to confront his true self and the possibility of love beyond conventional boundaries.

Struggling with self-doubt and a lack of direction, Bradley Zelder feels trapped in his routine as a school custodian in blue-collar Landsbury, MA. His life takes an unexpected turn when his truck breaks down in the affluent area of Oceanside, where he encounters Caleb, a charismatic man who embodies everything Bradley admires yet feels intimidated by. Overcoming his shame, Bradley seizes the chance to connect with Caleb, setting the stage for a transformative journey that challenges his perceptions of love and self-worth.