How to Lose a Best Friend

Gr 9 Up–What happens when the inevitable doesn’t happen? Everyone around best friends Zeke and Imogen believes their fairy tale love story will begin when she turns 16 and is allowed to date—including Zeke. He plans a very public demonstration of his feelings against the advice of their shared friends. Panicked about the intensity of Zeke’s feelings, Imogen acts on her crush for the new kid in town, Trevor. Feeling betrayed by Imogen’s new relationship, Zeke acts in a way that gives readers a look at toxic masculinity in teen boys. His negative attitude and actions extend to how he treats Imogen, reacts in rebound relationships and friendships, and his ability to be present for his ailing father and teammates. Told in dual perspectives, Casomar’s work provides a well-rounded look at the impacts of expectations and reality in young relationships. Fully developed primary and secondary characters invite readers into their friend group and will have them groaning and rooting for love at all the right times. The relatable, authentic dialogue will have readers flying through the pages. Zeke and Imogen are Black.