Kate in Waiting - by Becky Albertalli

About the Book

"Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theater rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway. But when Kate and Andy's latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off-script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson. Turns out, communal crushes aren't so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson's friendship"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

From #1 New York Times bestselling author and rom-com queen Becky Albertalli comes a buoyant new novel about daring to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight in love, life, and, yes, theater.

Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theater rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway.

But when Kate and Andy's latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off-script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson.

Turns out, communal crushes aren't so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson's friendship.

Review Quotes

"The ever-popular Albertalli weighs friendship against romance in a novel that's by turns laugh-out-loud funny and thoughtfully characterized.... Packed with musical-theater references and sparkling dialogue, this journey of self-discovery sings."
--Booklist

"[E]ndearing and charming... Reminiscent of Rachel Cohn and David Levithan's Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List, Albertalli crafts a story that offers an honest and realistic look at high school relationships--romantic and platonic."--School Library Journal

"Albertalli has crafted a rom-com that's not only sharp and funny, but distinguished by its casually diverse LGBTQ cast's awareness that friendship (among friends, to be sure, but also siblings, and gasp, romantic interests) is as important as love."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The racially diverse cast (Anderson is Black; Kate is white) is likewise inclusive of gender and sexuality, ultimately underscoring the story's ideal that love is love is love, especially when that love is friendship."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"While theater fans will especially identify with the story, recognizing their passion in Kate's own, the solid friendship and romance at its core will appeal to a broader audience."--Horn Book Magazine

"Real chemistry between the different love interests in the book, authentic dialogue, supportive friendships, and Albertalli's signature humor make this a must-read. Flips the script on battling over a boy in the best way possible."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)