Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers

Johnny's life has been kind of spiraling lately. Ever since his father passed away, his mom has been living in her own world, removed from the daily realities of paying bills and looking after her son. Then Johnny suffers an overdose at a party, and his mom just can't deal with him anymore. So Johnny is sent to live with his uncle and has to face a new school, new bullies, and a new sober life. He starts finding comfort in the music of Debbie Harry - and in the presence of Maria, who encourages him to explore what his Debbie Harry attraction means to him. At first it's just her music, but then he wants to...be more like her. And that takes him down a road he's never been down before.

Are there many YA books that focus on guys experimenting with dressing up like female performers? Are there any set in the drag world? I think I really want to read one (and one set in the world of competitive ballroom dancing, but that's not really related to this). But focusing on Debbie Harry Sings in French, it's a strong depiction of a guy who is confused and assured at the same time. The rather scary mother is nicely balanced out by the uncle, who is supportive and caring and clues Johnny into a connection with his father that Johnny never knew about.


Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner
No Girls Allowed by Susan Hughes
Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher