Act Cool

Written by Tobly McSmith

Narrated by Shaan Dasani

*Named a Rainbow Book List Title and one of Bank Street Children's Best Books of the Year*

A trans teen walks the fine line between doing whatever it takes for his acting dream and staying true to himself in this moving, thought-provoking YA novel from the acclaimed author of Stay Gold.

Aspiring actor August Greene just landed a coveted spot at the prestigious School of Performing Arts in New York. There’s only one problem: His conservative parents won’t accept that he’s transgender. And to stay with his aunt in the city, August must promise them he won’t transition.

August is convinced he can play the part his parents want while acting cool and confident in the company of his talented new friends.

But who is August when the lights go down? And where will he turn when the roles start hitting a little too close to home?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Sep 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063038608

Tobly McSmith

Tobly McSmith is the co-creator/writer of seven somewhat successful musical parodies, including Friends! The Musical Parody. Tobly was born in Texas. He now lives in New York City with his two cats, Buster and Bananas McSmith. Tobly is proud to be transgender.

Reviews for Act Cool

[Elliott Williamson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book had potential. It fell short in the character development and quality of writing. There were a lot of characters introduced that felt unnecessary. I still think a lot of important messages are included. I appreciate hearing more trans stories written by trans authors. I wish, like August, we could have more media that include positive trans narratives. I wanted more for this book. Still a solid 3.5/5

[Geneviève Rouleau · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Genre : LGBTQ+, psychological fiction, contemporary, YA

TW : transphobia, homophobia, self-harm and suicide (thoughts of), misgendering, use of dead name, conversion therapy (mention of)

I loved this book so much ? yes, of course August was kinda insufferable a lot of the time, but that was part of his character growth. Which was pretty amazing btw. The ending was the absolute best. August's life didn't wrap up perfectly, but he realized a lot of things and I really appreciate that. Also ahhhh, what a diverse LGBTQ+ cast. And Juliet ???

[reader1009-863136 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

teen fiction - 17 year old trans boy runs away from unaccepting parents, living with estranged but friendly lesbian aunt, deals with new school, making friends/chosen family, letting people get to know him, pressures of working with hostile Broadway director (author is also trans male).This got so intense in the last half--so much psychological trauma this young man goes through! I would gladly read more from this author.

[bibliovermis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A really great story about a theater-obsessed trans teen dealing with concurrent extreme highs and lows in his life. August's struggles to fit in in a new, high-stakes environment, his attempts to perform all manner of painful contortions to try to keep the regard of his religious and bigoted parents, and his desire to ignore or shoot past the painful work and the help he really needs to function and interact with others in a healthy way, were all really relatable for any reader.I was concerned about some aspects of the book—there seems to be a kind acceptance of a certain level of horrible, abusive behavior from people in positions of power in the theater world. It seems to be implied that constant abuse from a director leads to August's improvement as an actor, and in fact his improved mental health, which I found really questionable. But overall the book showed how environments of support and love allow kids to flourish.