My Fair Brady

High school senior Wade Westmore isn’t thrilled about losing the lead role in the spring musical, My Fair Lady, to his ex-boyfriend Reese Erikson-Ortiz, who dumped Wade for being “too shallow and self-involved.” On top of that, he feels as if he’s teetering on the edge of his future as he waits for college acceptance letters—particularly from his dream school, NYU. So, when anxious gay sophomore Elijah Brady, who joined stage crew to try and make friends, asks Wade for lessons in confidence, Wade sees this as an opportunity to win back Reese by proving he’s not as self-absorbed and incapable of change as Reese thinks. As Wade slowly turns timid Elijah into a more assured version of himself , the two become friends, which proves beneficial for them both. But when Elijah also befriends Reese, it threatens to upset Wade’s goal and puts a strain on their newfound camaraderie. Kennedy (A Little Bit Country) invokes classic elements of adolescent chaos, complexity, and confusion in this theatrically inspired rom-com. Memorable and sympathetic characters populate this ebullient read as it cheerfully maneuvers toward the inevitable curtain call. Wade and Elijah read as white; Reese has light brown skin. Ages 13–up. Agent: Lauren Spieller, Folio Literary. (Jan.)