Everything Changes

November 1, 2014

Gr 9 Up-For several months, 17-year-old Raven has become increasingly aware that she is not attracted to boys. No member of the opposite sex has ever caused her heart to flutter. Then Raven meets Morgan, an art student at a nearby college, and she experiences fireworks for the first time. When the older girl offers to help Raven prepare for her art history midterm, she accepts the offer. The tutoring session concludes with Raven giving Morgan an awkward kiss, and the two later express their mutual attraction. Morgan, who is openly gay, offers patience and reassurance to the teen, agreeing to keep their relationship secret until she feels comfortable telling others. Even conversations with friends over simple things like dating, or exchanging stories about what she's done lately soon become unbearable. Raven discovers that in order to live her life, she must be honest with everyone about her sexual orientation. The story offers short chapters and a slow moving plot that capture the protagonist's thoughts and feelings. Readers will feel Raven's anguish as she wonders if the comfort and pleasure of acceptance from family and friends will evaporate once she opens up to them. Hale's novel will be enjoyed by all teens, but especially those experiencing life decisions similar to Raven's. An honest and sympathetic portrayal of coming to terms with one's sexual identity.-Anne Jung-Mathews, Plymouth State University, NH

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.