*Starred Review* Gr. 10-12. Growing up on the edge of a small provincial German town, Phil, 17, knows he is gay, and that his free-spirited mother totally accepts him. All his life he has dreamed of finding the American father who walked out on Mom. Phil loves the gorgeous athlete Nicholas, and they have great sex, but Nicholas is afraid to come out in their conservative community, which regards Phil's mother as a whore and Phil and his twin sister as the "witch's children." Then Phil makes a shocking discovery that helps him grow up and confront truth and lies about family, friends, and lovers. Weaving together Phil's past and present, this long novel, a prizewinner in Germany, is not a quick read. But Jaffa's translation is clear and immediate, and the funny, aching first-person narrative will keep many teens enthralled with the story about secrets and betrayal. As in the best writing, the surprises that seem shocking are revealed as natural parts of character and story, and they raise questions about passion, sex, and intimacy. What does Phil deny about his best friend? Why can't his twin sister speak to Mom? Always leaving space for what is not said, tension builds to the very last page. Hazel Rochman
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