QUEERCEAÑERA

A coming of age in the wake of the coming-of-age party.

Between his best friend, April; his older sister, Carmen; and his divorced dad, Mexican American Texan teen Joaquin has a strong support system. They all adore him and fully accept the fact that he’s gay—but not having his “traditional Catholic” mom’s support still gets to him. It’s not even that she openly rejects him, either; it’s…complicated. To help make up for that difficult relationship, though, Dad and Carmen come up with the idea of throwing Joaquin a queerceañera. Sure, he’s 17 and a boy, but his extended family is into it, and they’re all happy to celebrate him. Planning the event is stressful but also enjoyable—or it is until his mom starts expressing negative opinions, such as “It’s a bit silly to be playing dress-up like this, no?” Enter Felix, her godson who just wants to help. But lying by saying he’s going to be Joaquin’s chambelán, or escort, quickly escalates, and now the whole family thinks they’re boyfriends. The fact that Felix was Joaquin’s best friend and first kiss (who later ghosted him) only makes the situation more awkward. The cast of characters in this delightful and honest story is endearing, and their lively banter helps make for a page-turner. Between the hilarious family antics and the Spanish that’s seamlessly woven throughout, this book doesn’t miss.

Impossible to put down.