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WHAT IS THIS FEELING? by Robby Weber

WHAT IS THIS FEELING?

by Robby Weber

Pub Date: Sept. 17th, 2024
ISBN: 9781335009951
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

A fun, musical theater–themed romp through New York City.

Teddy McGuire believes in luck. The small-town-Florida 18-year-old is convinced that his lucky friendship bracelet will help him and his best friend, Annie Taylor, win the scavenger hunt during their end-of-senior-year drama club trip. Winning means going to an after-party where he’ll get to meet superstar Benji Keaton—and Teddy is Benji’s biggest fan. Only, Annie gets suspended and can’t go after all, leaving Teddy to partner with brooding tech crew member Sebastian Hodges, who’s also gay. Teddy must somehow draw Sebastian out of his shell and get him invested in trying to win. For his part, Sebastian would happily skip the scavenger hunt, but their adventures nevertheless draw the pair closer. Teddy is an endearing and lovable protagonist, and readers will root for him as he experiences the big city—and an unexpected romance—for the first time. Weber skillfully captures the excitement, sadness, fear, and nerves Teddy feels as he ponders life after graduation. The magic of New York City is on full display, making it another character in the story as the metropolis serves as a stunning backdrop for Teddy’s coming of age and the adventures awaiting the characters in young adulthood. The scavenger hunt also provides a strong structure for the unfolding plot. Main characters read white.

Effervescent and heartfelt.

(Romance. 13-18)