A review by rynstagram
The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch

3.75

This book snuck up on me. I didn't really like it in the first two chapters because the writing style felt like it was trying to sound "teen" too hard. But the turn of this story from a Promposal story to a story of friendship and acceptance and not-just-romance completely changed my opinion. I love that (spoiler) Sky doesn't end up with the crush that started all of this, but he still has a happy ending. And I love that the small town in this book, though still very backwards and prejudiced, has a pocket of accepting and liberal people. Robbie Couch makes a point to show that, even in small towns where one might feel alone, there are more people on your side than you think.

This book is a great example of how many different issues can be explored in an organic way rather than feeling forced. I'm amazed by the nuances Couch uses to talk about racism, homophobia/transphobia, identity, being kicked out of your home, losing a parent when young, physical trauma, and probably a few more things I'm forgetting.

I also like that the whole plot didn't revolve around figuring out who sent out the racist and homophobic email blast. Sure, it was part of it, but the focus was definitely on community and friendship and moving forward. They start their whole T-shirt stunt with the thought of revenge, but it ends up becoming something that brings people together and makes people more comfortable being themselves in many different ways. (*queues up 'Stick to the Status Quo' from HSM) 

Plus, I have a soft spot for high school journalism classes, because that was one of the few parts of high school I can look back on fondly. 

Anyway, this is a great story that I'm excited to see exists in the world for teens who are grappling with identity and trauma in their many different forms. 
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