A sharp, funny YA debut that’s Back to the Future with a twist, as a gay teen travels back in time to save a closeted classmate’s life.
All Luis wants is to go to prom with his boyfriend, something his “progressive” school still doesn’t allow. Even in 2021. Not after what happened with Chaz Wilson. But that was ages ago, when Luis’ parents were in high school; it would never happen today. He makes it his mission to stand up for his queer classmates.
But when a hit on the head knocks him back in time to 1985 and he meets the doomed young Chaz himself, Luis comes up with a new plan–he’s going to give this guy his first real kiss. But it turns out a conservative school in the 80s isn’t the safest place to be a gay kid. Luis is in over his head, trying not to make things worse . . . and hoping he makes it back to present day at all.
David Valdes offers a funny, heartfelt, and intersectional story about self-discovery across generations.
Your older teen readers will appreciate the 12 selections in this category, a diverse mix of fiction and nonfiction covering complex issues and more mature content, from crushes and body changes to friendships and sibling rivalry.