SKATER BOY

Wesley “Big Mac” Mackenzie hides his feelings and identity behind his tough reputation, until he meets Tristan Monroe, an out-and-proud ballet dancer with big dreams for the future.

When the faculty and students at Stonebridge High take in Wes’ skateboard, leather jacket, and baggy clothes, they see nothing but a lowlife. The guidance counselor nags Wes about college and warns him that if his grades don’t improve, he won’t graduate on time, but as much as Wes can’t stand the idea of repeating his senior year, he also can’t imagine going to college. His single mom, whom he’d do anything to support, and his two best friends, Tony and Brad, are the only people who care about him. During a night out at the ballet, the last place Wes wants to be, his heart stops when Tristan dances onto the stage. As these two opposites attract, Wes confronts his fear of rejection, his past traumas, and his future. This coming-out story surrounds the white protagonist with a racially diverse cast of secondary characters, including his love interest, Tristan, who is Black. Nerada portrays characters with caring complexity, particularly Wes’ mother, and presents readers with multifaceted relationships. While Tristan encourages and challenges Wes, Wes’ character growth is, refreshingly, not dependent on their relationship, and healthy friendships are as central to the story as the boys’ romance.

An endearing and nuanced debut.