The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King

Actor Trevaldwyn crafts a sparkling debut starring an aspiring teen actor living in small-town England. Gay 16-year-old Patrick “Patch” Simmons has decided it’s time to get a boyfriend. He sees potential in New Yorker Peter and his English best friend Sam, two newcomers to his community drama club. Though initially torn between the two, Patch endeavors to pursue the more outgoing Peter, but his confidence is shaken when Sam is cast as the play’s lead, Patch’s dream role. Then Patch’s former friend turned nemesis, popular girl Tessa, rejoins drama club and catches Peter’s eye at a party. When Patch has a falling-out with his best friend Jean after catching her bowling with Tessa, he tries befriending Sam, hoping that he can help Patch understand both Peter and Jean’s choices. Witty prose keenly captures Patch’s over-the-top reactions and the beleaguered yet loving friends and adults caught in his schemes. It all culminates in a frothy and formulaic tale overflowing with hasty—and messy—decision-making, misunderstandings, reconciliations, and sweetly budding romance. Characters read as white. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jessica Hare, The Agency. (Jan.)