Publishers Weekly
04/10/2023
A teen struggles to contextualize her first sexual encounter in this searing read by Reyes (The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School), which tackles issues of assault and consent. After having sex with 18-year-old classmate Luis Ortega, Ariana Ruiz—an autistic, queer 16-year-old who experiences selective mutism—privately admits that she “hated every second of it.” Worse, she feels guilty and ashamed because Luis “didn’t even ask me if I wanted to have sex with him. Just kind of assumed,” and he began spreading rumors that Ari is willing to sleep with anyone. Ari soon connects with classmates who have also been wronged by Luis, including his ex-girlfriend, Shawni. Together, the teens plot to bring him to justice, all while developing strong bonds and new relationships of their own. Some characterizations occasionally feel over-the-top, but it is easy to find points of connection with this empathetic cast. Via biting prose and insightful discussions of accountability, explicit consent, and what that looks like for one neurodivergent teen, Reyes crafts a thrilling tale of vengeance alongside sensitive depictions of sexual assault aftermath and recovery. Ari is Mexican; supporting characters are racially diverse. Ages 13–up. Agent: Alexandra Levick, Writers House. (May)
From the Publisher
Via biting prose and insightful discussions of accountability, explicit consent, and what that looks like for one neurodivergent teen, Reyes crafts a thrilling tale of vengeance alongside sensitive depictions of sexual assault aftermath and recovery.” — Publishers Weekly
“Reyes has an unerring eye for developing tough female protagonists who are wounded but not defeated, still figuring out their place in the world but certain when they find a person worth letting beyond her barriers.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Reyes empathetically explores issues of consent and rape culture through a neurodiverse lens in this story of self-empowerment.” — Horn Book Magazine
“A fresh story exploring timely issues.” — Kirkus Reviews
“The Luis Ortega Survival Club impressively and realistically explores trauma and pain alongside joy and love. Refreshingly sincere and ultimately hopeful, this book oozes intentional care for its characters and readers.” — Racquel Marie, author of Ophelia After All
Kirkus Reviews
2023-04-12
Ariana Ruiz had a terrible evening.
She’s not sure she actually consented to having sex with Luis Ortega, which brings on horrible feelings, including dissociating for hours. Queer Mexican American Ariana is autistic “with a heavy dose of selective mutism,” and she’s starting to wonder if her silence is precisely what Luis liked. Shawni, Luis’ ex-girlfriend, told Ariana to stay away from him only to see them go into a room together at a party. So when Ariana texts Luis, and he agrees not to tell anyone what happened but everyone still seems to know, she assumes Shawni is to blame. Boys start harassing Ariana, and the situation spirals into hellish bullying. And then, she finds a note in her locker reading “me too.” The mystery writer and Ariana connect on Tumblr, although Ariana is initially against their suggestion of getting back at Luis. But after learning that he was even more deliberate in his exploitation of her than she realized, she goes to the appointed meeting place. There, she discovers she’s not the only one invited: It’s a support group for people whose reputations were ruined by Luis. Readers may find that the actual revenge they take feels flat against the violent trauma Luis put each of them through, but the group of teens, who are diverse across many dimensions and were previously socially isolated by Luis’ actions, forge new bonds and help each other heal.
A fresh story exploring timely issues. (author’s note, content warnings) (Fiction. 14-18)