The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch - ADVISABLE

The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch, 325 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2021. $20

Language: PG-13 (94 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (repeated references to teenage boy sexuality, blatant homophobia and racism); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Sky Baker is a white, openly gay senior, who is just trying to survive his Midwestern small town. Sky's plans to fly under the radar go by the wayside when a bully hacks a schoolwide email newsletter targeting Sky and the boy he is crushing on. Rather than fading into the background, Sky is determined to take a stand and be visible, not only for himself, but for anyone else who feels marginalized and isolated. His stance gains popularity, but not without some setbacks. Is Sky tough enough to overcome the growing attention?

Oomph, this book pulls at the heartstrings. I felt so deeply Sky's internal trauma from his familial relationships, the bullying he experienced at school, and his emotional growing pains. I even teared up! The book has excellent LGBTQ representation, not only in Sky, as the main character, but in the supporting characters too. This book perfectly illustrates the chosen family concept so important to so many within LGBTQ communities. The author authentically captures growing up differently in a small, homogenous community, and finding your place in the world, despite the bullies and the haters.

Reviewer: BookswithBeddes