Middle School's a Drag, You Better Werk!

Mikey Pruitt is a twelve-year-old entrepreneur who dreams of being a talent agent. When he meets Julian Vasquez, otherwise known as Coco Caliente, he learns that there are so many ways to be gay. This coming-of-age story about friendship and self-identity highlights the important life lessons Mikey learns in a light-hearted and comedic novel. In a middle-grade classroom, this book lends itself well as a class read-aloud, for independent reading, or as a literature-circle selection. The story’s use of humour and empathy helps broach complex issues such as sexual identity, family illness, peer pressure, and bullying. It may help students reflect on these aspects of life and encourage them to participate in classroom discussions around these topics.