Mattie (Matilda) falls in love with the play Romeo and Juliet, which her favorite English teacher, Mr. Torres, announces they will be reading in class and performing as the eighth grade play. Mattie surprises her best friends, theatrical Tessa and calm, organized Lucy, by auditioning, and getting her chosen role of Paris. But when the actor playing Romeo backs out of the production, Mr. Torres asks Mattie to take on the role. Mattie isn't afraid of the memorization - but she has a crush on Juliet, a British girl called Gemma, and she doesn't want anyone to know - including Gemma, who is friends with mean girl Willow. However, Gemma herself isn't mean, and Mattie's story has a happier ending than Romeo & Juliet's. Shakespearean insults are sprinkled throughout, courtesy of Tessa. Audiobook narrator Jorjeana Marie does a beautiful job with Mattie's thoughtfulness, and distinguishes other characters' voices easily.

See also: Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz ( )

A star student falls for the lead actress of her school play amidst the intricate social pressures of middle school, unleashing a heart-warming, comical tale of secret crushes, and fierce rivalries. Perfect for the middle grade. LGBTQ bookshelf.

children's middlegrade fiction, LGBTQ interest (13 y.o. girl thinks she might like another girl, doesn't know what to do/whom she can talk to but eventually finds that her friends and family are supportive).
This is a pretty sweet story that might help kids get through some confusing times and confusing feelings in their life, with a little added Shakespeare geekery thrown in. ( )

This is a cute, sweet little book, but you'd think if an author wants to make disenfranchised kids feel included, they might not describe the only explicitly fat character in the book as disgusting. What does that say to the fat kid reading this book, who may or may not also be gay? It tells them that being lesbian or gay or bi is fine, but being fat is disgusting, and nobody would choose to love you, as the protagonist's sister declares. The author should frankly be ashamed of herself. ( )

Mattie has had a crush on Elijah for a while but hasn't said anything to him. Her friends Tessa and Lucy said she should either make sure she still liked him and then do something about it. At a party,she realizes Elijah is no better or worse than any other guy.

However, her feelings for Gemma, a beautiful new student with a British accent are undeniable, even though Mattie isn't really sure that she can like girls. When Mattie takes the role of Romeo to Gemma's Juliet, she is so nervous, especially about the 'kissing scenes'. Does Gemma like her back?

Star Crossed is all about eighth grade love, be it straight or gay. It captures the uncertainty of the participants under the guise of Romeo and Juliet. It is a very cute, story and well worth the read. ( )