You Can't Tell by Looking

February 1, 2019

Gr 10 Up-The author combines an exploration of LGBTQ identity themes against a background of Muslim American tensions for a novel that tackles a broad swath of cultural issues. High school senior Gabe Dillon has never had a problem being out in his urban school, but when he transfers to a suburban area, he wonders what will change for him if he chooses to be openly gay at his new school. Soon, he finds himself irresistibly attracted to class president Kerem Uzun, a popular kid and the only Muslim student. Gabe becomes fascinated with Kerem and his Muslim culture, but is worried about how Kerem or his family will feel about his orientation. To further complicate their budding relationship, Kerem's cousin Timur holds to very strict fundamentalist Islam doctrine regarding marriage and relationships. Sanders tries hard to humanize both his gay and Muslim characters by letting readers explore the traditions and beliefs of Islam through Gabe's eyes. This leads, however, to dialogue and description that feels clunky and at times preachy. The tension between characters of different levels of religious adherence is interesting and drives much of the plot, but the author's desire to teach readers about Islam sometimes overwhelms the story development, leaving characters underdeveloped. While not graphic in its description, discussion of sexual arousal and the inclusion of scenes of oral sex makes this more appropriate for high school readers. VERDICT An additional purchase.-Erin Downey, Boise School District, ID

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.