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Pub date May 24, 2021
ISBN 978-1737006428
Price $13.99 (USD) Paperback, $3.09 Kindle edition
Skipstone examines sexual identity, self-doubts, and familial tension in this contemporary LGBT drama about a teenager’s struggles to find her place in a conservative small town. COVID has wreaked havoc on people’s lives. Crystal Rose, a high-school senior, is looking forward to starting the in-person classes at the school. An unexpected incident brings Crystal close to Haley, her childhood friend and long-time crush, and the two girls begin to see each other. But coming out is something Crystal will rather avoid. When the confident, openly gay Payton joins the school, the things change for Crystal and Haley. Skipstone beautifully portrays the awkward, insecure Crystal, complete with her self-doubts, fears, desires, dreams, and internal turmoil. Haley and Payton are equally convincing, and the impressively drawn setting of the small Alaskan town brings the place to life. Though Crystal’s extreme insecurity can initially feel frustrating, her slowly growing confidence is reassuring, and main themes of self-discovery and finding one’s voice offer readers a promising message of hope. The story is not only sharp and moving, but distinguished by its exploration of the themes of bullying, abuse, addiction, and stigma related to disability and LGBTQ among teens and young adults.The accompanied illustrious are absolutely gorgeous. Through Crystal’s journey to finding her voice, Skipstone provides an intelligent meditation on love, family, friendship, and identity.
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Categories: Fiction
