In Case You Read This

Two white-cued transgender teens who meet by chance must defy odds to find each other again in this titillating missed-connection romance by Underhill (This Day Changes Everything). When Arden and his mother travel from Los Angeles to Winifred, Mich., to live with his grandmother, he chafes at having to come out as trans in a new town. Meanwhile, Gabe is looking forward to living in a more progressive area now that he and his family are moving from Shelby, Ill., to L.A. During their travels, both families stop at the same Nebraska motel; it’s there that the boys meet, spending the day together before parting ways. They decide not to exchange numbers, fearing that staying in touch may ruin their memories of that one magical day. Upon arriving at his grandmother’s house, Arden realizes that she and his mom have a tense relationship. In California, Gabe struggles with being more open and inadvertently alienates his family. Though the teens reconnect online, familial, social, internal, and geographical pressures threaten their budding relationship. Alternating POVs present the protagonists’ complex personalities, while a fully fleshed-out cast makes both teens’ growing social spheres feel full and vibrant. It’s an enchanting examination of expectations, insecurity, and maintaining relationships. Ages 13–up. Agent: Patricia Nelson, Looking Glass Literary. (May)