Vanilla

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Vanilla and Hunter are best friends. They have also been dating since seventh grade. Now that they are in high school, Hunter is ready to begin a sexual relationship, but Vanilla is not sure. Vanilla likes to cuddle with Hunter but is confused by why he does not want to take the next step. Through the help of another friend, Vanilla realizes that he may be asexual. Parts of the story felt a little drawn out and angsty, but after their break up, the boys gain some self-awareness which moves the plot along. This is a novel-in-verse with Vanilla and Hunter alternating their chapters. Some of the poems have a unique structure, like the Venn diagram poem. Recommended for all collections that serve teens.These are voices that need to be head. Fans of David Levithan will want to add this to their “To Read List.”

Overall Book Score: very good