Pretend You Love Me

Description

In this fresh, poignant novel, Mike is struggling to come to terms with her father's suicide and her mother's detachment from the family. Mike (real name: Mary Elizabeth) is gay and likes to pump iron, play softball, and fix plumbing. When a glamorous new girl, Xanadu, arrives in Mike's small Kansas town, Mike falls in love at first sight. Xanadu is everything Mike is not -- cool, confident, feminine, sexy.... straight. Julie Anne Peters has written a heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful novel that will speak to anyone who has ever fallen in love with someone who can't love them back.

Julie Ann Peters is the critically acclaimed author of Define 'Normal', Between Mom and Jo, Far from Xanadu, and Luna, a National Book Award Finalist.

Another gem in Peters' string of literary treasures.--VOYA Excellent characterization makes this piece shine.--Kirkus Reviews Readers will root for Mike in this heartfelt coming-of-age story.--School Library Journal There's no arguing with the honest intensity of Mike's emotions. Readers will wish her heartsease.--Booklist