A delightful story ( )

When you're growing up in 3 distinct minority groups life can be difficult. Meet Jackson, a teenager, an Aboriginal and gay. When his Aunty and her kids arive in time for Christmas they bring with them Tomas.

This is a beautiful debut novel that deals sensitively with what a lot of teenagers who are questioning their sexuality are going through on a daily basis.

Highlighted in the story is the importance that family, immediate and extended can play in the whole 'coming out' process. How I wish a book like this was around so many decades ago. ( )

Jackson's daily life as an aboriginal boy in the Mish is one of hanging out with friends at the beach and going to parties. He's dating Tesha but feeling conflicted about their tepid relationship. Over the Christmas holidays, Aunty Pam brings over her kids and Tomas, a boy staying with her after a stint in juvie. Tomas' presence stirs Jackson in a way that never happened with Tesha. Being openly gay in the Mish isn't common and Jackson isn't sure if gay is what he is. Jackson and Tomas make tentative moves towards each other until it's clear they are both moving forth in a relationship of sorts. Jackson's story is internally driven as he tries to make sense of what he is feeling, going back and forth in his mind and tearfully questioning. The pace is unhurried and the tone is introspective. It's a supportive portrayal of what it can be like to explore one's sexual orientation and that there is no one right answer for everyone. ( )

teen fiction - secretly questioning queer Aboriginal boy meets another Aboriginal boy who has just been released from juvie into his aunt's care; author is from a First Nations tribe in Australia.

Though characters and setting were fictional, this felt authentic. It maybe dragged a little bit while the main character was being very confused and not ready to admit to himself that he was attracted to the other boy (though it's obvious to the reader), and also that he didn't want to have to fall out from his community because of it, but that is part of many people's experiences so I don't think I would change it. I liked that both boys were emotionally mature enough to be thoughtful about sex (when that moment eventually arrived) but also mature enough to say if they weren't quite ready for that yet. ( )