Two boys approaching seventh grade learn to define masculinity in their own ways in this sweet and earnest novel. Wil, a transgender boy who is newly out, would rather be at theater camp, but his well-meaning (though somewhat clueless) father thinks that sending him to baseball camp is the best way to show support for his son’s new identity. Taylor, in contrast, is a cisgender boy who loves baseball, but finds it hard to talk about the sport with his two geeky moms (one cisgender, one trans). Baseball camp for him is a time to indulge his love of the game.
In short chapters that alternate between their two voices, these two very different boys begin to form a friendship. Wil is a bit of a geek himself, and Taylor has played D&D for years with his moms, so they have a connection there. Taylor also understands LGBTQ culture and identities—he introduces himself with his pronouns—helping Wil feel more comfortable around him. At first, it seems that heavyset, confident Taylor is simply taking Wil, who understands little about baseball, under his wing at the camp. But Taylor, who is autistic and also likes flowers and dresses, also feels different when he moves out of his moms’ accepting circle. He’s a thoughtful guy who appreciates a hug (but also makes sure to ask for consent before giving one). Wil, who is still trying to figure out what it means to be a boy/man, similarly helps Taylor reconsider some of his own assumptions and feel more confident being who he is.
Authors Arin Cole Barth and Marika Barth balance introspection and action as Taylor and Wil navigate their new friendship and themselves. There is enough interpersonal tension among them and the other characters to build suspense and keep the story moving, but the plot does not lean as heavily on social conflict and drama as some middle-grade books (though there is a little); to me, that is a refreshing take.
The book adds in some nice touches to acknowledge other aspects of queer community, such as an offhand reference to a pregnant trans man (not that pregnant trans men don’t deserve books of their own, too). One character is also exploring the possibility that he is aromantic. Wil is White and Taylor is Filipino.
What makes the book shine is that Wil and Taylor are immensely likeable, complex characters, and it is great to see examples of boys who are willing to be vulnerable and open about their feelings. It’s a hit indeed.
