Act Cool by Tobly McSmith
Published by Quill Tree Books on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 0063038560
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads

August is a junior in high who has run away – from his small town home, from parents who don’t accept him as a transgendered boy, and from potentially being sent to conversion therapy. He moves in with his aunt in New York City and is accepted into a prestigious arts academy where he begins his life dream of studying theater. 

August wears a mask with almost everyone he encounters throughout most of this book. He is on the precipice of discovering who he is and has always had to act as though he were someone else. Fearing judgement, misunderstandings, and general teenage angst over not fitting in, he manages to act his way through most challenging situations – until he doesn’t. He makes plenty of mistakes, but does eventually learn from them. August forms strong bonds with new friends and family members, and tries to learn how to let go of unsafe and disrespectful relationships that break his heart. 

Act Cool is an important book because it is written by a trans man and amplifies a version of the trans experience. It’s great in other ways too, and would be an excellent addition to any YA collection. Teens will relate to August fumbling his way through adolescence in ways we all do.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta