Get It Together, Delilah!

Gr 9 Up—Delilah, 17, is dealing with a dizzying array of life issues: her mother has left the family to be with a boyfriend, a group of mean girls taunt Delilah about her sexuality, her best friend is somewhat distant, her new guy friend has gotten into legal trouble, and her father is on an overseas vacation, leaving her to run his café during her two-week school break. Delilah is awkward around Rosa, a flamenco dancer at a nearby restaurant, so she is stunned when Rosa initiates a kiss. Rosa's fear of being outed causes conflict with Delilah, but events lead to a hopeful and believable resolution. Delilah is an engaging teen trying to work her way through the uncertainty and pain of teen life. In addition to confronting bullying, she also faces microaggressions, such as when a rival business owner comments that he understands the importance of having a safe and welcome environment for "you people." Although a closeted lesbian causes much of Delilah's torment at school, the protagonist's feelings of pity, rather than anger, seem authentic. Life lessons about the challenges of making assumptions, speaking out, and being true to oneself are woven throughout realistically. Australian geographical names are sprinkled throughout the story, but the high school setting will be familiar to American readers, and the references to sexual situations are straightforward and realistic.