A review by danielghurst
May the Best Man Win by Z.R. Ellor

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
May the Best Man Win by ZR Ellor is a moving story of two boys, who used to date, competing for Homecoming King at their high school. The attention-loving cheerleader, Jeremy, is trans and dealing with a host of issues as he and the people around him adjust to his identity. Lukas, the football player who never could live up to the legacy of his older brother, who recently died, is dealing with a complicated family situation and trying to conceal his autism. They both have plenty of obstacles to get to the crown and will have to reckon with their unresolved feelings about one another, as well.

This book has a lot to praise, most significantly the important representation within both the two main characters and the supporting cast. Readers from myriad backgrounds and identities will see teenagers like them on the page. It's nice to see characters with serious flaws and supporting characters with thought-out arcs and full lives, even if much of it is off the page. We also see the characters face discrimination, which happens in various forms and in a range of severity.

I'm so glad this book is out in the world. I'd strongly recommend it for teen readers!

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook!
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