Gravel Queen by Tea Benduhn

• ISBN:978-0689849947
• Plot summary: The trio of friends were inseparable: Aurin, Kenney and Fred. The inevitably give in to Kenney's idea of a good time, be it swing dancing lessons or going to some party where they don't fit it, but usually, the end up at the park watching a game of ultimate frisbee. Fred has a crush on one of the players, and soon Aurin takes an interest in a player as well--on a girl who goes by the name Neila. As Neila and Aurin spend more time together, Kenney gets jealous that she's not the main attraction. But Neila and Aurin are more interested in each other than friends, which is something that Kenney and Aurin do not share. Kenney's jealously eventually gets the best of her and she can't help but make Aurin feel bad for her supposed betrayal. Aurin knows Kenney is wrong to feel this way, but with all their history together, she has to find a way to keep Kenney and Neila both in her life.
• Critical evaluation: Aurin is struggling to maintain the balance of her friendships with Kenney and Fred, particularly Kenney, but when Kenney becomes jealous of her budding relationship with Neila, Aurin can't help but let Kenney know how she feels. She can't help it if she is falling for Neila, and she can't help if it she's not attracted to Kenney. Kenney doesn't want to be in a relationship anyway, she likes men, but she is hurt anyway and threatens to show the school a tape of Neila and Aurin. Struggling to maintain a balance in relationships, both romantic and platonic, is one many explore for the first time in adolescence. This type of book will ring true for those who have had to evaluate their friendships when a new person comes along.
• Reader's annotation: It had always been Fred, Kenney, and Aurin, until Neila came along.
• About the author: Tea Benduhn lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her two cats.
• Genre: Fiction
• Curriculum ties, if any: None
• Booktalking ideas:
• Have your friends ever become jealous over something you had but they didn't?
• Reading level/interest age: 15+
• Challenge issues: Sexuality, underage drinking
• Why was this item included? This item was recommended on the teen LGBTQQ list at Berkeley Public Library.