Lizard Radio

Schmatz (Bluefish) explores gender and identity in this dreamlike coming-of-age story, set in a future society where one’s gender is identified and reinforced as early as possible. Fifteen-year-old Kivali is one of the rare “benders,” those who score right in the middle and who could go either way; she refuses to choose and is thus marked as noncompliant. She’s sent to CropCamp, an agricultural labor institution for teens being prepped for adulthood, where she makes new friends and develops a crush on the beautiful Sully, whose capricious charms spark something deep within. But as the camp director pressures Kivali to pick a gender, a role, and a direction, Kivali continues to resist, certain that something weird is going on at CropCamp. Schmatz conjures up sympathetic characters and an intriguing premise, but her jargon-heavy world can be difficult to get into, and some explanations never present themselves. While the story’s stylistic quirks may alienate some readers, it’s still a thoughtful and intriguing look at the teenage search for identity. Ages 14–up. Agent: David Bennett, Transatlantic Literary Agency. (Sept.)