Worst-Case Scenario

Gr 8 Up–Sidney wants to be president of the Queer Alliance club for junior year, but in steps Forrest, their archnemesis, running for the same position. The vote ends in a tie, and now Sidney has to work closely with the loud, goofy class clown. Sidney is dealing with what they believe is an anxiety disorder and an alcoholic dad who wants to be part of their life again. Forrest is coming into his own as a trans person, and the alliance has been a help that he wants to share with others. Sidney is trying to hold everything together to appear “normal” so no one questions them. But when feelings for Forrest change from anger to something giddy and wonderful, the pressure to keep up appearances becomes too much. Taking from their own experience living with OCD, Stoeve (The Summer Love Strategy) creates a true-to-life telling of what Sidney is feeling and thinking as the condition worsens without intervention. All the myths and misdiagnoses surrounding OCD are explored in the safe environment of the world Stoeve creates—this is perfect for students who want to read more about someone living with OCD and how to be a good friend to them. The characters in this story come from varied walks of life and are represented authentically with laughter, tears, and always hope. Both main characters are trans, and they and their families read white; their friends are of various ethnicities, some with interracial families, and many are queer. Note discussion of suicidal thoughts by the main character.