A review by starrysteph
As You Walk on By by Julian Winters

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I was thoroughly charmed by As You Walk On By.

We follow high schooler Theo, who is dreaming of a perfect prom night. But when his so-called best friend dares him to prompose to his crush at a party, everything goes wrong. He runs away from fellow partiers and contemplates everything he once thought he had figured out - but as peers stumble into his hiding spot one-by-one, he forges new connections and rediscovers himself.

The ensemble cast of characters are all thoughtfully fleshed-out, and while the story is narrated by Theo each person still gets their own strong arc. I loved how his new friends challenged Theo (he learns a lot about apologies & growth), but also truly hear & see him (as he shares his experiences as a gay Black boy in a predominantly white magnet school). 

The teenage dialogue felt incredibly realistic & not too heightened or cheesy. I found the situations relatable and honest, and teared up quite a few times over the course of the novel.

Theo and his friends grapple with parental expectations, queer identities, first loves, and grief & loss. They learn to choose friendships wisely, and when it is right to challenge someone to grow and learn versus when it is time to remove someone from their life. 

Theo’s relationship to his father (a single dad) was particularly well done - and both of their memories of his grandmother who had passed away before the start of the story were so touching.

Every once in a while I come across a book that I dearly wish would be available in all high school classrooms. This is one of them - I think every teenager could relate to, reflect on, and adore the story.

CW: bullying, death of a loved one (friend & grandparent), homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, sexism, misogyny, racism, classism, drug use, microaggressions, car accident

Follow me on TikTok for book recommendations!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings