Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy

Wright (When the Black Girl Sings) gives voice, complexity, and heart to the kind of character often relegated to a clich%C3%A9 sidekick role. Sixteen-year-old Carlos Duarte's dream is to become a famous makeup artist ("I've had subscriptions to Vogue and Harper's Bazaar since I was fourteen... so I knew what I was doing was beyond genius"). His considerable skills land him a plum job working the FeatureFace Cosmetics counter at Macy's, despite the reservations of manager Valentino. It's not long before Valentino and Carlos clash, and things at home are tough as well: Carlos's mother has lost her job, and his older sister is getting abused by her boyfriend, who is also harassing Carlos for being gay. Carlos's single-minded drive for success leaves some casualties in his wake (as when a $300 borrowed pair of "beyond incredible" boots are damaged when he's assaulted), but his big heart, optimism, and powers of persuasion are infectious. And given the very realistic harassment Carlos regularly suffers, those attributes are a survival skill, too. He's a walking example of the inner strength teens need%E2%80%94regardless of their sexuality. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. (July)