PROM KINGS

A teen must take a step back to recognize that the boy he should be chasing is right beside him.

Charlie is an extroverted, gay teen with ambition to spare but no love life to speak of until Andre, new to Vancouver from Montréal, walks into an outNproud meeting that Charlie attends religiously. Recently asked to serve on the planning committee for outNproud’s queer prom, Charlie is determined to make Andre his date but must contend with pretty boy Chad, his rival at outNproud, for his attention. After talking with best friend Geeda, Charlie comes to the conclusion that he needs a wingman. Enter quiet, closeted Luis, who, after watching Charlie try to impress Andre with the perfect prom song, creates an algorithm that analyzes clichéd plot points of popular teenage romantic comedies in hopes of helping Charlie get the boy. Despite the uphill battle, Charlie is resolute in his desire—but is he overlooking someone else? Charlie comes across as a high-strung teen looking for validation, which readers may come to find endearing. This straightforward, first-person narration clearly demonstrates the honest, frustrating feelings of navigating first crushes as a queer teen. Short chapters and light detail make this an accessible read. Charlie and Chad are white, Andre is black, Luis is Mexican, and Geeda is Asian.

For reluctant readers looking for a quick, light, romantic read.