Boy

Popularity isn’t something Gavin Meeks sought; it’s the byproduct of where he lives, how he dresses and looks, his athletic skills, and the fact that his tennis partner is the most popular guy in their class. But he hasn’t thought much about his status—until he grows interested in a new girl who’s unimpressed by (and unqualified for) the golden circle. As Gavin moves from sophomore to senior year, Nelson (Girl) shows him shifting from passively accepting what he’s been given to really thinking about what he wants. The process isn’t direct or quick—Gavin’s happy to accept a consensus girlfriend who makes sense in his social group—though it gathers momentum as he makes friends with people on the margins and gets serious about photography. But in covering three years, Nelson ends up telling more than he shows, often relying on abrupt transitions like “later,” “the next day,” “then one day.” Readers may feel that they’re seeing Gavin from a distance rather than up close. 14–up. Agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House. (June)