Been Here All Along: He's in Love with the Boy Next Door

by Sandy Hall

Overview

From the author of A Little Something Different comes a quirky, heartfelt novel about high school, first love, and what happens when the plans you make for yourself go just a little bit awry.

Gideon always has a plan. His plans include running for class president, leading the yearbook committee, and having his choice of colleges. They do not include falling head over heels for his best friend and next-door neighbor, Kyle. It’s a distraction. It’s pointless, as Kyle is already dating the gorgeous and popular head cheerleader, Ruby. And Gideon doesn’t know what to do...

Kyle finally feels like he has a handle on life. He has a wonderful girlfriend, a best friend willing to debate the finer points of Lord of the Rings, and social acceptance as captain of the basketball team. Then both Ruby and Gideon start acting really weird, just as his spot on the team is threatened, and Kyle can’t quite figure out what he did wrong…

Author Sandy Hall’s signature wit and charm is back with Been Here All Along, an LGBT young adult romance from Macmillan’s young adult imprint Swoon Reads.

Praise for Been Here All Along:

"It’s sweet. It’s adorable. It’s full of emotions. It’s one of the best romances I’ve ever read, and I’ll be reading this one again multiple times." —Here's to Happy Endings

" If you’re a fan of cute YA romance, this book will hit the spot." —Feed Your Fiction Addiction

"Atmospheric and heart-warming . . . " —Hit Or Miss Books

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250100658
Publisher:	Feiwel & Friends
Publication date:	08/30/2016
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	1,113,217
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	HL700L (what's this?)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Sandy Hall is the author of A Little Something Different and Signs Point to Yes. She is a teen librarian from New Jersey, where she was born and raised, and has a BA in communication and a master's degree in library and information science from Rutgers University. When she isn’t writing or teen librarian-ing, she enjoys reading, marathoning TV shows, and taking long scrolls through Tumblr.

Editorial Reviews

"It really was everything I had hoped it would be. . . If you need a cute romance to end your summer with, read this. It’s sweet. It’s adorable. It’s full of emotions. It’s one of the best romances I’ve ever read, and I’ll be reading this one again multiple times." —Here's to Happy Endings


"This book is sweet and fun and all sorts of adorable. It was a typical, simple high school romance, but it was kind of nice to see one of those with LGBT characters—without a lot of angsty complications. . . If you’re a fan of cute YA romance, this book will hit the spot." —Feed Your Fiction Addiction


"Such a fun, adorable read . . . another fun addition to Hall’s repertoire of swoonworthy reads." —Good Books & Good Wine


"Atmospheric and heart-warming . . . [Kyle and Gideon] have the kind of friendship we all wish we had. They know one another to the core of their beings. I have some real friendship goals right now, because of the two of them." —Hit Or Miss Books

From the Publisher

08/01/2016
Gr 9 Up—An endearing and heartwarming narrative that is realistic and reflective. Kyle and Gideon have happily been best friends and next-door neighbors for much of their lives. However, Gideon unexpectedly develops romantic feelings for Kyle but is unsure as to how to proceed because Kyle is currently in a long-term relationship with Ruby. Told from each character's first-person perspective, the novel presents the complicated process of self-discovery, social acceptance, and, ultimately, love. Readers follow Kyle, Gideon, and Ruby as they attempt to navigate unfamiliar terrain that could jeopardize their current relationships. Those who appreciate strong male protagonists who are quirky, queer, or questioning will enjoy this stand-alone title with broad appeal. Hall expertly captures the nuances of LGBTQ life in an authentic and positive manner. Themes such as honesty, trust, logic, and love are explored throughout. The characters are likable, and their emotions are sure to resonate with readers. Read-alikes include Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower, David Levithan and John Green's Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and Jaye Robin Brown's Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit. VERDICT This coming-of-age drama of discovering love in unlikely places is tender, accessible, and recommended for most library collections.—Katie Flynn, Williston Northampton School Library, MA

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