I Will Be Okay, (Paperback)

Fifteen-year-old Mateo's summer in suburban New Jersey is filled with tension. His father pushes him relentlessly in baseball, sidelining his other passions like manga and indie rock. The one bright spot is Stick, the boy from the "troubled" family down the street. As Mateo and Stick's feelings for each other deepen, they navigate family expectations, peer pressure, and their own fears. But when tragedy strikes Stick's family, their relationship is tested like never before.

Can Mateo and Stick find a way to stay together, or will the weight of their circumstances tear them apart? This coming-of-age story explores themes of identity, loss, and acceptance, perfect for young adults seeking a realistic and emotional LGBTQ+ romance. Like a mantra, Mateo repeats the words from one of the band's songs whenever he gets hurt or afraid: I WILL BE OKAY. But will it be enough?