High-schooler Steven has several goals in his young life. He wants to get his driver's license. He wants to keep his dark secret safe '-that is, that he enjoys square dancing. And he wants to prove beyond a doubt that he is absolutely, positively NOT gay.
At first glance, this might not seem like the kind of reading to recommend to youth who are questioning their sexuality. Yet Steven navigates his way through the process of coming-out in a safe and believable way. LaRochelle portrays the struggle and triumph of a teen who is isolated in that struggle, yet surrounded by family who love him, and at least one friend who understands him and genuinely supports him. Further, Steven's struggle is woven with plenty of laugh-out-loud humor, including a scene in which Steven, under pressure from his Mom to go to the high school dance, takes his friend's golden retriever in order to avoid the pretense of taking a girl. Recommended for teens ages 12-16.