BUZZ BUILDER: With complicated issues and beautiful writing that generates, this title is sure to be discussed in the kidlit community, and a strong contender for state lists and awards
IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO LGBT CANON: Dunbar’s treatment of Sean’s coming to turns with his sexuality is honest and complicated and messy, which is to say it’s entirely authentic. No kid who decides they’re gay wakes up with that understanding one morning and the fact that she allows her character’s feelings to be so fluid will resonate and gain her immense praise.
COMPLEX CONTEMPORARY IS WORKING: This is where the contemporary YA market has gone recently. Readers will devour this one.
WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKS: This will slide easily into the #weneeddiverse books discussion.
AN AUTHOR WHO KNOWS HOW TO PROMOTE: Dunbar is a marketing/social media coordinator—she knows how to generate buzz—and a music journalist. She'll exploit her connections to generate buzz.
