Funny, sad, closeted farm kid Carl Paulsen is my new best friend.' -Brian Malloy, author of The Year of Ice and After Francesco I absolutely loved this fresh, unpredictable, and heartrending-but-hopeful book. When Carl meets Andy Olnan, the new boy in town, everything suddenly changes, just like that moment in West Side Story when Maria meets Tony. 'Meet Carl Paulsen – he’s not rich, urban, or 'fabulous.' He’s a farm boy devoted to his cows, his younger sister, and his widowed father (in that order). 'With insight and grace, Gary Eldon Peter explores the big questions: Who am I? Who will I be? And who will I let truly know me? This novel's gentleness is underlain with the absolute determination of a quiet teenager's quest for self-identity.' -Alison McGhee, author of Where We Are and What I Leave Behind Teenagers will love this story of vulnerability and courage as Carl finds the strength to act on his own feelings, and subsequently realizes his family and friends’ love for him is profoundly rooted in acceptance.' -Carol Dines, author of This Distance We Call Love and The Queen's Soprano

'Fearlessly exploring the nuances of love and friendship, Peter’s characters navigate life’s inevitable disappointments with humor and hope. This book will have huge appeal across age groups and backgrounds.' -David Pratt, author of Wallaçonia Or does he? Carl’s roller-coaster of a semester is warmly familiar and yet full of surprising twists and turns. A new boy at school catches Carl’s eye and seems to return his interest. Gary Eldon Peter’s hero is smart, charming, modest (but opinionated where it counts) and, speaking of falling in love, he’s gay. 'Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, get ready to fall in love with Carl Paulsen. West Moss, author of Flesh and Blood and The Subway Stops at Bryant Park The result is a beautiful piece of fiction, sure to make anyone who reads it feel less alone.' -N.

The words shimmer with gentle, heartbreaking empathy. There is a magic in this book, magic that makes us feel we are in this young man's heart as he struggles to find his place in the world. 'Carl Paulsen wants to belong to this world, broken though it may be.

Queen's Soprano by Carol Dines