One homophobic slur is what it takes to change the lives of two ninth grade boys. One of the boys is Dayton who takes a dare and shouts a slur in his school auditorium during an author visit. He does not understand why his friends and classmates distance themselves from him and the hateful word. After all, he doesn't hate anyone, it was just one word and one ill-advised dare. Farshid is the other boy in this story, and ever since that word was shouted, he feels it hanging over him in the hallways of his school as he grapples with his own identity and what it might mean to reveal the truth to his classmates and to his Iranian family. The school year unfolds in alternating viewpoints. This outstanding book is compelling and thought-provoking and perfect for 8th-9th graders who are ready to grapple with serious issues. It deserves to be read and talked about and will be great for empathy building. Highly recommended for middle and high school collections.
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