From the Publisher
As a closeted trans Catholic school kid, I would have given both my kidneys and my left lung to get my hands on a book like Flyboy. We have truly come so far that now the kids who need it get to keep their kidneys, but they’ll lose their minds swooning, crying, and cheering for such a beautiful story of trans magic.” — Sonora Reyes, National Book Award Finalist for The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School
“Debut author LeBlanc does a tremendous job fleshing out believable, fully realized characters that demand to be seen. A definite purchase for any library serving high schoolers.” — School Library Journal
"An immersive, magical world. Timely." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Will appeal to readers who enjoy the dramatic arts. A trans story of belonging and first love.” — Kirkus Reviews
“This speculative coming-out story dazzles. LeBlanc’s debut boasts stunning, evocative writing, and the vibrant settings of both Asher’s daytime life and the magic of the circus will transport readers.” — Booklist Online
School Library Journal
06/01/2024
Gr 9 Up—Ash lives two distinct lives: a secret one as a teenage boy since most people misgender him, and the other as his authentic self but only in his dreams at the Midnight Circus. Ash trudges through his daytime hours at a Catholic school with his bestie Moira by his side, dreading nearly every aspect of his waking world. At night, he dreams a full life performing in the Midnight Circus. Suddenly, both lives collide when his supposedly imaginary trapeze partner Apollo walks into his actual classroom as a late transfer student. Things begin to fall apart everywhere. Bigotry and hate pile up in his community while the circus becomes less and less of a perfect escape. College choices, smothering family members, and local politics all collide into an ugly perfect storm that spills into his dream life and Ash can't breathe. The characters' truths crescendo into a massive climax, finally allowing for space to heal and move forward. Debut author LeBlanc does a tremendous job fleshing out believable, fully realized characters that demand to be seen. Strong plot pacing with hints of mystery and a budding romance will keep readers hooked until the end. Most characters are cued white and there are multiple characters with LGBTQIA+ representation. VERDICT A definite purchase for any library serving high schoolers.—Kristen Rademacher
