Deposing Nathan - Hardcover

Smedley, Zack

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1624147356 ISBN 13: 9781624147357

Publisher: Page Street Kids, 2019

Synopsis

"A superb story, told in an original and masterly way. Smedley navigates the novel's refreshing ideas about sexuality and religion with grace and intelligence." ―The New York Times 

"A heartbreaking and important read." ―Caleb Roehrig, author of Last Seen Leaving

"[A] layered, complex depiction of questioning (bi)sexuality... A heartbreaking case worth revisiting again and again." ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

For sixteen years, Nate was the perfect son―the product of a no-nonsense upbringing and deep spiritual faith. Then he met Cam, who pushed him to break rules, dream, and accept himself. Conflicted, Nate began to push back. With each push, the boys became more entangled in each others' worlds...but they also spiraled closer to their breaking points. And now all of it has fallen apart after a fistfight-turned-near-fatal-incident―one that's left Nate with a stab wound and Cam in jail.

Now Nate is being ordered to give a statement, under oath, that will send his best friend to prison. The problem is, the real story of what happened between them isn't as simple as anyone thinks. With all eyes on him, Nate must make his confessions about what led up to that night with Cam...and in doing so, risk tearing both of their lives apart.

About this title

About the Author:

Zack Smedley is a chemical engineer who recently graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. As a member of the LGBT community, his goal is to give a voice to marginalized young adults through gritty, morally complex narratives. Deposing Nathan is his first novel. Find him on Twitter @zack_smedley.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 8 Up-Sixteen-year-old Nate has always been a golden child, raised by his father and aunt in a strict and religious household. When he meets Cam, who encourages him to question rules and dare to be independent, Nate's sheltered life begins to feel stifling, and he starts pushing back in little ways. As the relationship between them becomes more complicated, both boys reach a breaking point-ending in a brutal fight and attempted murder charges. The narrative unfolds in two separate time lines. In the first, Nate has had time to recover from being stabbed, and as he spends several days giving the deposition that could send Cam to jail, a nuanced story emerges. A number of twists and turns reveal the tenuous relationships between the boys and between Nate and his family, as well as Nate's struggle to accept his own identity. Themes that may appeal to teen readers include small acts of rebellion in the face of strict parents and faith traditions, questioning one's sexual identity, and thoughtful treatment of a love triangle not often seen in YA fiction. At its heart a story about complex relationships, the structure adds layers of suspense that will have readers constantly reevaluating events. VERDICT Recommend to fans of complicated relationships and suspense, and for students eager to read outside the mainstream.-Erin Downey, Boise School District, IDα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About this edition

• Publisher: Page Street Kids
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1624147356
• ISBN 13: 9781624147357
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 400