From award-winning author Kyle Lukoff comes an emotionally charged and unexpectedly funny not-quite-love story, set against the backdrop of college orientation.

For Thomas, attending Erickson University is bigger than trading in small-town Vermont for life in Manhattan. It’s a chance for reinvention, to ditch the “nice trans boy” persona he’s been stuck with since middle school, and finally just be a normal-ish guy.  

Blending in has never been Annabelle’s style, but ever since her most recent (and completely disastrous) breakup, she’s been counting down the days until she can escape to college across the country. Nobody in New York City knows anything about her or her exes, so it’s the ideal opportunity to become a new and improved Annabelle.  

When Thomas and Annabelle meet, sparks fly. Neither one can believe they’ve found someone so perfect before classes even start. But when Thomas finds out that Annabelle hasn't been completely honest about her dating history, he begins to question whether she’s more interested in dating him, or dating someone like him. And try as she might, Annabelle can’t seem to stop her history from repeating itself.  

In his first young adult novel, award-winning author Kyle Lukoff revisits his beloved protagonists from the Newbery Honor book Too Bright to See and Different Kinds of Fruit, with a whirlwind romance as messy and meaningful as New York City itself.
© Marvin Joseph
Kyle Lukoff is the author of many books for young readers. His debut middle-grade novel, Too Bright To See, received a Newbery honor, the Stonewall award, and was a National Book Award finalist. His picture book When Aidan Became A Brother also won the Stonewall. He has forthcoming books about mermaids, babies, apologies, and lots of other topics. While becoming a writer he worked as a bookseller for ten years, and then nine more years as a school librarian. View titles by Kyle Lukoff

About

From award-winning author Kyle Lukoff comes an emotionally charged and unexpectedly funny not-quite-love story, set against the backdrop of college orientation.

For Thomas, attending Erickson University is bigger than trading in small-town Vermont for life in Manhattan. It’s a chance for reinvention, to ditch the “nice trans boy” persona he’s been stuck with since middle school, and finally just be a normal-ish guy.  

Blending in has never been Annabelle’s style, but ever since her most recent (and completely disastrous) breakup, she’s been counting down the days until she can escape to college across the country. Nobody in New York City knows anything about her or her exes, so it’s the ideal opportunity to become a new and improved Annabelle.  

When Thomas and Annabelle meet, sparks fly. Neither one can believe they’ve found someone so perfect before classes even start. But when Thomas finds out that Annabelle hasn't been completely honest about her dating history, he begins to question whether she’s more interested in dating him, or dating someone like him. And try as she might, Annabelle can’t seem to stop her history from repeating itself.  

In his first young adult novel, award-winning author Kyle Lukoff revisits his beloved protagonists from the Newbery Honor book Too Bright to See and Different Kinds of Fruit, with a whirlwind romance as messy and meaningful as New York City itself.

Author

© Marvin Joseph
Kyle Lukoff is the author of many books for young readers. His debut middle-grade novel, Too Bright To See, received a Newbery honor, the Stonewall award, and was a National Book Award finalist. His picture book When Aidan Became A Brother also won the Stonewall. He has forthcoming books about mermaids, babies, apologies, and lots of other topics. While becoming a writer he worked as a bookseller for ten years, and then nine more years as a school librarian. View titles by Kyle Lukoff

Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and educators are increasingly aware that integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum is critical if we want students to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Download the thematic educator guides on Teaching About Anxiety and Mindfulness and Teaching About Student Wellness. Explore our specially curated collections on

Read more

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Middle School titles AANHPI Creators – High School titles .

Read more