Stuck with you

Gr 7 Up--A laugh-out-loud hi-lo gay romantic comedy set almost entirely on a train. Ben, a gay teen nearing graduation, is not only stuck on the train for more than four hours with a broken cell phone--he is stuck on a train with the guy who broke his phone! The story begins with Ben having just finished a miserable visit with his father who disapproves of Ben's decision to take a year off before going to college. This visit was made worse because, his phone being broken, Ben had no ability to contact his friends. When Caleb Khoury, the boy who broke his phone, sits down next to him on the train, Ben thinks Caleb is a stereotypical jock; when they are stuck together for more than four hours, he learns that Caleb is kind, funny, and bisexual. Proximity and understanding lead to a budding friendship and the beginnings of a romance. This is a hilarious and an all-around enjoyable read. The secondary drama among Ben's friends in the Rainbow Alliance is painfully realistic, foreshadowing the all-too-common biphobia that exists (even in LGBTQIA+ spaces) before readers are introduced to the bisexual love interest. Even though the plot takes place almost solely on one train ride, the romance never drags or feels rushed. The book is written at a third grade reading level. VERDICT Highly recommended for hi-lo readers who loved Heartstopper.--Jeri Murphy

A sweet queer love story unfolds on a train. This accessible novel for reluctant readers features two charming leads readers can't help but root for. Ben Ross loves his comfort zone, and he avoids making waves. Caleb Khoury is the cool guy from school Ben barely knows, although he's upset with him: Last week Caleb accidentally broke Ben's phone when the basketball he threw hit Ben by mistake, leaving him unable to text anyone or listen to music for nine days. As usual, Ben spent his March break visiting his dad in Toronto even though they don't particularly get along. Now, all he really wants is to get back to Ottawa, but his seatmate for the train ride home is none other than Caleb. Most of the story takes place during the five hours they share on the train as the boys learn they have more in common than they knew. Ben discovers that Caleb is also queer--not gay like him but bisexual. And what brings that up is an attractive guy on the train who's definitely into Caleb, something that makes Ben feel…strange. Not that he has any right to feel jealous; after all, it's not like he's developing a crush on Caleb, is he? The cute banter between the boys will keep readers engaged as the sparks fly and they look past first impressions. Caleb is cued as having Middle Eastern heritage; Ben reads White. An adorable romance with strong coming-of-age elements. (Romance. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.