Ramona knows that she is gay. It is one of the constants in her life that has been turbulent ever since her family had to leave Louisiana because of Hurricane Katrina. But now Freddie, a boy from her childhood has reentered her life and Ramona finds herself falling for him and realizing her orientation may be more fluid than she initially thought.
Publisher’s Description:
Ramona was only five years old when Hurricane Katrina changed her life forever.
Since then, it’s been Ramona and her family against the world. Standing over six feet tall with unmistakable blue hair, Ramona is sure of three things: she likes girls, she’s fiercely devoted to her family, and she knows she’s destined for something bigger than the trailer she calls home in Eulogy, Mississippi.
But juggling multiple jobs, her flaky mom, and her well-meaning but ineffectual dad forces her to be the adult of the family. Now, with her sister, Hattie, pregnant, responsibility weighs more heavily than ever.
The return of her childhood friend Freddie brings a welcome distraction. Ramona’s friendship with the former competitive swimmer picks up exactly where it left off, and soon he’s talked her into joining him for laps at the pool.
But as Ramona falls in love with swimming, her feelings for Freddie begin to shift too, which is the last thing she expected. With her growing affection for Freddie making her question her sexual identity, Ramona begins to wonder if perhaps she likes girls and guys or if this new attraction is just a fluke.
Genre: Contemporary
Representation:
Gender:
Cis girls: Ramona
Sexual Orientation:
There was a lot of discussion, controversy and anger surrounding the publication of this book. Thoughtful pieces about biphobia/bimisia, bi-erasure, sexual fluidity abound on the internet if you are inclined to check them out. Ramona initially identifies as an “out and proud lesbian” but falls in love with her male friend. The author never explicitly labels her as bisexual but has said in subsequent interviews that she is bisexual/fluid.
Romantic Orientation:
Not explicitly addressed.
Race/Ethnicity:
White: Ramona
Additional Notes: See sexual orientation for specific info regarding audience reaction.
Ownvoices: Author is bisexual