Genderqueer Carey seeks to become the next Elphaba amid teenage struggles with relationships and queerphobia.
Things haven’t been the same since Carey came out: Their former best friend, Joey, has been avoiding them, and they’ve been dealing with constant microaggressions from school bully Max and conservative teacher Mr. Jackson. It’s not all bad however, because they have their idol Mariah Carey; other best friend, Monroe; and new crush, Cris, to help them out. Now they just need to rock the auditions for the school’s production of Wicked. Pop-culture references abound, firmly rooting Carey’s world in time, but this works in the narrative’s favor, as it deals with topical issues. Scenes of targeted violence and discussions of suicidal ideation make this a tough read, but one shining light stands out: Carey will not be silenced. LGBTQ+ identities are prevalent, including bisexual, lesbian, gay, and genderqueer characters in the main cast. Love interest Cris is Filipino and Greek, and other characters are ethnically diverse; Carey is White. Mental health is discussed often, particularly issues caused by intolerance, and Carey is shown attending therapy sessions. While the narrative often reads like a tragedy, Salvatore takes great care to show that the lives of Carey and their friends are anything but and clearly sends a message of support for those striving to be their true selves.
A defiant love letter to queer youth; honest, brutal, and more important than ever.
(author's note, resources, guide to protesting, playlist) (Fiction. 13-18)