Redwood and Ponytail
by K a Holt (Author)
A universal story of finding a way to be comfortable in your own skin: Kate and Tam meet, and both of their worlds tip sideways. At first, Tam figures Kate is your stereotypical cheerleader; Kate sees Tam as another tall jock. And the more they keep running into each other, the more they surprise each other. Beneath Kate's sleek ponytail and perfect façade, Tam sees a goofy, sensitive, lonely girl. And Tam's so much more than a volleyball player, Kate realizes: She's everything Kate wishes she could be. It's complicated. Except it's not. When Kate and Tam meet, they fall in like. It's as simple as that. But not everybody sees it that way.
- A novel in verse about two girls discovering their feelings for each other in a sincere and relatable way that helps young reader connect to the storyline
- Features a unique presentation of text that beautifully merges together two first-person narratives
K.A. Holt is the author of Rhyme Schemer, House Arrest, Knockout, and several other books for young people. She lives in Austin, Texas
"A glowing, heartfelt addition to the middle-grade LGBTQ genre." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"The free verse narration is totally accessible, flowing quick and clear, and Holt plays with form, beautifully highlighting the parallel internal journeys, often achieving something akin to a musical duet. Ultimately, this is a . . . moving story well-told." -- Booklist, starred review
- A great chapter book for middle school students
- Novels for preteens and teenagers ages 10-14
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Publishers Weekly
Holt (Knockout) once again offers keen insight into the social pressures and vulnerabilities of middle schoolers in this novel in verse, which traces the mutual attraction between two seventh grade girls. "Tall as a palm tree" Tam, a jock, is sometimes mistaken for a boy; "with her "perfect/ swinging/ ponytail," Kate resembles "every clichéd cheerleader." Despite their differences, though, they establish a friendship that evolves into something deeper. Conflicts arise when Kate's friends and social-status-obsessed mother disapprove of Tam, and she fears that people will see her as "twisted up, / not right" because she is gay. Ultimately, she must choose between molding herself into the girl her mother wants her to be and following her own path. The girls' interior monologues, sometimes merging on the page, sometimes visually set apart, effectively show their shared feelings and contrasting perspectives, and the voices of three onlooking students function as a Greek chorus, highlighting transitions in the girls' relationship. In a story thoughtfully formed and eloquently executed, Holt offers affirmation and hope to readers struggling to fit in. Ages 10-14. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. (Oct.)
Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JUV039190 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Dating & Relationships
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
Schools
Interpersonal relations
Novels in verse
High schools
Female friendship
Psychological fiction
Lesbians
