The Complicated Calculus (and Cows) of Carl Paulsen

Set in richly described southern Minnesota, Peter’s (Oranges, for adults) YA debut is a compact, touching introspection on one gay teenager’s first love. Closeted 15-year-old white Carl Paulsen, who lives with his father on their struggling dairy farm, is still unsettled from his mother’s death from cancer two years earlier. When white Minneapolis transplant Andy Olnan protects him on the first day of school from Carl’s longtime bully, who hurls homophobic slurs, the two become fast friends. Andy is cagey about his move, only hinting that it was part of a deal he made with his intensely religious mother. Despite Andy’s closed-off nature and his public fixation with girls, Carl’s convinced he might be gay, too. After they get high and hook up, Carl is sideswiped by Andy’s subsequent rejection and must unravel his feelings alone. Carl’s willfully ignoring Andy’s flaws and their clashing personalities is a skillful representation of teenage crushes. Knowing his father will be supportive, Carl is more preoccupied with how to come out, rather than a potential negative reaction, providing an alternate and necessary perspective to queer youth’s myriad challenges. This is a tender, rural spin on gay first love. Ages 12–up. (July)