“...It's just nice to see you out from his shadow. Because things don't grow in the shadows, you know? So it was frustrating to see you standing there...and really cool to see you step out of it. I don't know who this new guy is, but make sure when you're with him, you're not standing in his shadow. Stand where everyone can see you.”

American YA author and editor of the 21st century, David Levithan writes fiction that explores queer identity and adolescent experience with honesty and warmth. His novels, including *Boy Meets Boy* and *Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist*, blend contemporary realism with lyrical prose, offering nuanced portrayals of young people navigating love, belonging, and self-discovery.