Felix Ever After - by Kacen Callender

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A Stonewall Honor Book * A Time Magazine Best YA Book of All Time

From Stonewall and Lambda Award-winning author Kacen Callender comes a revelatory YA novel about a transgender teen grappling with identity and self-discovery while falling in love for the first time.

Felix Love has never been in love--and, yes, he's painfully aware of the irony. He desperately wants to know what it's like and why it seems so easy for everyone but him to find someone. What's worse is that, even though he is proud of his identity, Felix also secretly fears that he's one marginalization too many--Black, queer, and transgender--to ever get his own happily-ever-after.

When an anonymous student begins sending him transphobic messages--after publicly posting Felix's deadname alongside images of him before he transitioned--Felix comes up with a plan for revenge. What he didn't count on: his catfish scenario landing him in a quasi-love triangle....

But as he navigates his complicated feelings, Felix begins a journey of questioning and self-discovery that helps redefine his most important relationship: how he feels about himself.

Felix Ever After is an honest and layered story about identity, falling in love, and recognizing the love you deserve.

"Felix is attending an ultracompetitive arts summer program to have a better shot at a full scholarship to Brown when someone posts Felix's dead name beside photos of him, pre-transition, in the school's lobby. Felix's plot to get revenge throws him onto the path of love and self-discovery." (Publishers Weekly, "An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List")

Review Quotes

"Felix is like the story itself--boldly empathic, hopeful, and full of love. This top-notch depiction of a messy, complicated, romantic young artist navigating the bumpy road to self-love and self-determination sticks its landing at every turn." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"From its stunning cover art to the rich, messy, nuanced narrative at its heart, this is an unforgettable story of friendship, heartbreak, forgiveness, and self-discovery, crafted by an author whose obvious respect for teen readers radiates from every page." -- ALA Booklist (starred review)

"Felix explores love, friendship, and possibly retribution in this powerful #OwnVoices story of identity and self-worth... Full of warmth, love, and support, this is an important story and an essential purchase." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"The writing is smart and engaging, and #OwnVoices author Callender includes sound information and responsible psychological guidance without bogging down the storytelling. Felix does ultimately find love in this sweet and tender trans romance, but his hardest-won victory is in the fight to validate his self-worth." -- Horn Book Magazine

"Full of nuanced looks at how relationships can be both toxic and supportive, loving and confusing, and exciting but brief, this is definitely not a book to be missed." -- Buzzfeed

"An intricate love story for the ages." -- CNN Underscored

"Felix is an open, warm, engaging character who extends far off the page. He's easy to relate to regardless of reader identity, which makes this book a great candidate for school libraries and summer book report lists." -- them.

"A firecracker of a book from an author with a powerful point of view, Felix Ever After is refreshingly real--full of queer kids who live and breathe and swear and love and make messy mistakes. Teens need this one." -- Casey McQuiston, bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue

"Felix Ever After never shies away from the beautiful, messy complexity of love in all its forms. This book is a gift, from start to finish." -- Becky Albertalli, bestselling author of Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda

"This is a story about friendships, finding first loves, and continuing to discover yourself even after you thought you had all the answers. I can't talk about my love for this book enough--it's going to change lives." -- Mason Deaver, bestselling author of I Wish You All the Best

"From effervescent characters that I still can't get out of my head to the sizzling backdrop of a New York City summer, Callender brings vibrance to a story that desperately needed to be told." -- Jackson Bird, author of Sorted: Growing Up, Coming Out, and Finding My Place

"There are stories that are vital and there are stories that are brilliantly crafted. Callender delivers both in this beautiful exploration of friendship, new love, and self." -- justin a. reynolds, author of Opposite of Always

"I've never read a book that more perfectly balances hardship, hope and happiness. This story shines a spotlight on the one thing that transcends all differences: a desire to be loved and to love in return." -- Nic Stone, bestselling author of Dear Martin