Georgia Peaches and other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin Brown

Joana Gordon is the daughter of an evangelicalist radio preacher. She lives in Atlanta with her best friend Dana and is about to start senior year. Her dad's sudden wedding with the pressure from his newest wife sends Joanna and her father from progressive Atlanta Georgia, to close-knit Rome, Georgia. 

Afraid of losing followers, Joanna's father asks her to keep her sexuality under wraps, to pass as straight. Joanna, who has been dying to host a radio show for devout queer youth agrees, thinking that all it means is a change of clothes. When she meets Mary Carlson Bailey however, things get a little more complicated. Mary Carlson Bailey is the epitome of a straight southern girl, but that doesn't stop Joanna from falling head over heals for her. 

Her growing feelings for Mary Carlson, the excitement of those feelings being reciprocated, and her growing friendships with those at Rome High school make it difficult for Joanna, who wants to keep her promise to her father, but is nervous what the cost of staying in the closet will do to the relationship between her and Mary Carlson.

It is very hard to find good lesbian romance for young adults, but Georgia Peaches and other Forbidden Fruit certainly fits the bill! For all of you who like a fairy tale ending with a touch of angst, this is the book for you. There is a happy ending, lots of conflict, hilarious side characters, and a lovable protagonist.

The protagonist, Joanna Gordon, is funny, relatable, and a pleasure to read about. The author's representation of Joanna's feelings when she pines after Mary Carlson, and when those feelings are reciprocated are spot on and will be pleasurable to read for any queer teen falling in love. The side characters in this novel are also fabulous, with their own stories and anecdotes.

This novel shows the struggles of a young very religious queer teen and describes Joanna's conflict between fitting in and listening to her family, or following her own path and staying true to herself.

Reviewed by Claire, Grade 9
Montrose Library