Act Cool
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4.4 • 7 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
Named a Rainbow Book List Title and one of Bank Street Children's Best Books of the Year*
A trans teen walks the fine line between doing whatever it takes for his acting dream and staying true to himself in this moving, thought-provoking YA novel from the acclaimed author of Stay Gold.
Aspiring actor August Greene just landed a coveted spot at the prestigious School of Performing Arts in New York. There’s only one problem: His conservative parents won’t accept that he’s transgender. And to stay with his aunt in the city, August must promise them he won’t transition.
August is convinced he can play the part his parents want while acting cool and confident in the company of his talented new friends.
But who is August when the lights go down? And where will he turn when the roles start hitting a little too close to home?
A Trans Boy Protagonist: August Greene is determined to make his acting dreams come true, but a promise to his unaccepting parents means he has to put his transition—and his true self—on hold.Found Family: In New York City, August finds a new home with his supportive aunt and a group of theater kids who might understand him better than his own family ever could.Theater Kid Drama: From high-stakes auditions to the pressure of the school musical, life at the School of Performing Arts is intense, especially when the roles you play start to mirror the lies you’re telling.Deeply Felt Family Conflict: This moving contemporary YA novel explores the painful line between honoring your parents and honoring yourself.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
When transgender, implied-white actor August Greene, 16, who is struggling with suicidal ideation, learns that his evangelical Christian parents are considering sending him to conversion therapy, he flees his conservative hometown of West Grove, Pa., for New York City to live with his gay aunt Lil and audition for the rigorous, prestigious School of Performing Arts. Once he is accepted, his parents allow him to stay on one condition: that he not "change into a boy." August agrees, but continues to present as male without his parents' knowledge, forming meaningful friendships with an inclusive—if sometimes under-rendered—cast, and landing a coveted female role in SPA's fall musical. He also begins to realize that he's been using acting to avoid dealing with his trauma. Unfortunately, August's motivations are often muddled, and clumsy prose, particularly dialogue, keep this sophomore effort from reaching its full potential. Still, McSmith's (Stay Gold) approach to gender and dysphoria is compassionate, and the musical's cast dynamics are well sketched; theater fans especially will find the discussion of representation on the stage compelling. Ages 14–up.
Customer Reviews
A MUST READ for Trans Teens
Incredible work of art by Tobly McSmith. An incredible story that touches the heart of the theater kid in all of us, an excellent outreach to the trans community and the youth that face hardships. A fantastic story, thank you Tobly.