TL;DR
Act Cool by Tobly McSmith is a raw, high-stakes YA novel about August Greene, a trans teen who lands a spot at a prestigious NYC performing arts school. The catch? To get his conservative parents to pay for it, he has to "act" like the daughter they want him to be. It’s a story about the performance of identity, the weight of conditional love, and finding a "found family" in the city.
Recommended for: Ages 14+ (Grade 9 and up) Key Themes: Gender identity, family estrangement, theater life, and self-acceptance. Check out these related titles:
If your teen is into drama—both the stage kind and the "my life is a mess" kind—they’ve likely seen this book on BookTok or Instagram.
The story follows August, a trans boy who has spent years feeling suffocated in a small town with parents who refuse to acknowledge his transition. When he gets accepted into the New York City High School of the Performing Arts (think Fame for the Gen Z era), it’s his ticket out. But there’s a massive, soul-crushing caveat: his parents will only fund the move if he agrees to present as a girl while he’s around them or back home.
The book explores the literal acting August does on stage and the metaphorical acting he does to survive his family. It’s a "double life" trope, but with much higher emotional stakes than your average superhero story.
Teenagers are essentially professional identity-shifters. Even for kids who aren't navigating gender transitions, the feeling of "acting" a certain way for parents while being someone else with friends is a universal middle and high school experience.
August’s world in NYC is also pure aspirational fuel. He’s living in a city that prizes authenticity, surrounded by a quirky, supportive "found family" of fellow artists. For a kid sitting in a suburban bedroom scrolling through TikTok, the idea of escaping to a place where you can finally be yourself—and maybe fall in love with a cute boy named Jude along the way—is incredibly compelling.
Learn more about why BookTok is influencing what your teen reads
We’re seeing a massive surge in YA literature that doesn't just feature LGBTQ+ characters as the "best friend" sidekick, but as the protagonists of their own complex stories. Act Cool by Tobly McSmith is part of a wave of books that treats trans identity as a central part of the character's journey without making it the only thing about them. August is an actor, a friend, and a romantic lead; his transness is the context, but his humanity is the focus.
For parents, this book is a window into the specific anxieties of Gen Z. Research shows that today’s teens are more comfortable with fluid identities than any generation before them, but they also face intense pressure from digital "performance" on apps like BeReal or Snapchat. The "acting" August does is a extreme version of the "curating" most teens do every day.
If you're trying to gauge the "vibe" of this book compared to other things your kid might be watching or reading, here’s a quick breakdown:
If Heartstopper is a warm hug and a cup of cocoa, Act Cool is a shot of espresso in a rainy NYC alley. It’s grittier, the family conflict is much more painful, and the stakes feel more dangerous. While Heartstopper focuses on the "joy" side of the spectrum, McSmith doesn't shy away from the trauma of rejection.
This is McSmith’s previous novel, and if your teen liked that one, they’ll definitely want to read this. Stay Gold is more of a classic high school romance, whereas Act Cool feels a bit more mature and focused on the professional/artistic aspirations of the characters.
Parents often worry that any "gritty" YA book is going to be like Euphoria. It’s not. While Act Cool deals with heavy themes and some "teen" behavior (partying, language), it isn't the bleak, hyper-sexualized landscape of the HBO show. It’s much more grounded in reality and ultimately has a more hopeful, constructive message.
Ask our chatbot for more book recommendations for fans of Heartstopper
I’d peg this firmly at 14 and up.
While the writing is accessible, the emotional weight is heavy. There are depictions of transphobia and "deadnaming" (calling a trans person by their birth name) which can be triggering or upsetting. There is also some underage drinking, typical teen swearing, and some mild sexual references.
If you have a younger teen (11-13) who is interested in these themes, you might want to start them with something a little lighter like Better Nate Than Ever or the Drama graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier.
The most "no-BS" part of this book is the depiction of the parents. They aren't just "misunderstood"—they are actively harmful to August’s well-being for much of the book. As a parent, it can be hard to read characters who are so rigid, but it’s an important reality to acknowledge. Many kids use books like this to "test the waters" of their own parents' reactions.
If your teen brings this book home, it’s not a signal that they are "secretly" anything, but it is a sign that they are interested in themes of authenticity and unconditional support.
How to Talk About It
You don't need to make it a "big talk." Just ask a few casual questions:
- "August has to act like someone else to please his parents—do you ever feel like you have to do that with us or your teachers?"
- "What do you think about the 'found family' he has in NYC? Is that something you see people looking for on Discord or at school?"
- "The book gets pretty heavy with how his parents treat him. How would you have handled that situation?"
Check out our guide on how to talk to teens about difficult book themes
Act Cool by Tobly McSmith is a solid, impactful read for the high school crowd. It’s not "brain rot" or fluff; it’s a serious look at what it costs to be yourself in a world that might not be ready for you.
Is it a literary masterpiece? Maybe not—some of the theater-school tropes are a bit "on the nose"—but for a teen looking for a story that validates their feelings of being "between" identities, it’s a winner. It’s a great conversation starter for families who want to be intentional about supporting their kids' emotional and digital lives.
- Check the bookshelf: See if your teen has already read Stay Gold or Felix Ever After.
- Watch together: If they love the "performing arts school" vibe, maybe do a movie night with the original Fame or even Tick, Tick... Boom!.
- Screenwise Survey: If you're wondering how your teen's media consumption compares to other families in your community, take the Screenwise survey to get a personalized look at your family's digital habits.
Ask our chatbot for a list of YA books with diverse protagonists