Arden Grey is a coming of age story through a female protagonist who is struggling to make sense of her parent’s recent divorce and incessant harassment from her peers at school. Arden has fell in love with film photography, she carries her camera around everywhere, capturing the little things in life; one of her prints becomes featured in a local art show – giving her the credibility for her art that she’s longed for. This book has a very diverse cast of characters; Arden is wondering if she may be Aromantic/Asexual, and is definitely attracted to girls (hence being a target at school); and her best friend is a trans boy experience his first romantic relationship with a girl; and Arden’s father newly out status allows him to date an old acquaintance.

This book deals with some heavy topics – and Arden’s struggle is clear. Fortunately through the heavy, there are true moments of light and acceptance. I think many kids will relate to Arden’s experience – there’s so much goin on in her life that it’s easy to connect to something; however, this is also what makes the story a bit less believable. I do recommend this for high school libraries.