"Complex, gorgeous, and true, Messy Perfect lives up to its name. I loved it." - Elana K. Arnold, award-winning author of Damsel "A very enjoyable novel that also conveys an important message: that no young person should have to choose between different parts of themselves and that, in the words of the main character, you should be able to be religious and queer and still be happy. This moving and heartwarming book is also a love letter to GSAs, by a writer who truly sees and understands the work so many students are doing to make their schools safer and more accepting for everyone." - Robin Stevenson, award-winning author of Queer History A-Z and Pride Puppy "Messy Perfect is a recipe of all the right things--one tightly wound Catholic school student, one estranged friend she really needs to impress, an underground GSA, the cutest gang of kids you ever did meet, some delightful guerilla tactics (hint: rainbow boas on statues of saints!) a generous helping of sprinkles, sparkles and just the right amount of rom com-ness! Way more perfect than messy--only adorable bits of messiness. It's about accepting and affirming yourself, and how amazing it feels when you find your people. Boteju is such a gentle creator.
The kind of YA writer who really knows what she's talking about and, more importantly, knows how to write it. Her stories are for young people, not to young people. They are everyday magic from start to finish." - Katherena Vermette, author of A Girl Called Echo "A sweet, emotional read affirming those who struggle to find a place within religions that profess to hate who they are." - Kirkus Reviews "Boteju (Bruised) employs grounded and informative prose to deliver empathetic examinations of acceptance, guilt, and the pressure of meeting unrealistic expectations in this tenderly affirming novel." - Publishers Weekly "Nuanced and sweet.Kids in this story want to create safe spaces, and this book certainly offers one to its readers as Cassie's journey to accepting her messiness emphasizes that, religious or not, being queer is normal and okay." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Artfully articulates the beauty of community.
Boteju's latest queer coming-of-age story offers a vulnerable look into the intersection of identity and religion." - School Library Journal "Kindhearted and affecting.Messy Perfect is an inspiring and beautifully written coming-of-age novel." - Shelf Awareness.