Redwood and Ponytail

Kate and Tam think they understand each other at first glance. Kate is the polished cheerleader; Tam is the tall volleyball player. Repeated encounters begin to complicate those easy descriptions, revealing loneliness, humor and possibilities neither expected. As they become closer, admiration develops into feelings that do not fit neatly inside the versions of themselves other people recognize. Their connection seems simple when they are together, but the reactions around them make it harder to hold onto that clarity. Told in verse, this middle-grade novel follows two girls learning to question appearances and expectations, and to make room for an affection that changes how they see both themselves and each other.