This compelling novel is written as if it were a piece of performance art created by 17-year-old Orphea, who performs it as a monologue in a Queens, New York, club. While Orphea speaks, 14-year-old Ray paints on the backdrop behind her—art seen only by the audience. Life has not been easy for Orphea. Both of her parents died when she was young, and her older brother, Rupert, who became her guardian, is strict, narrow minded, and abusive. There are two things that have been a constant for her, however: her love of poetry and her love for Lissa. How she found and lost Lissa and then found herself through her art is the story she tells the community of kindred spirits who manage and frequent the club and who have helped her find her voice. (Ages 14–17)

HOT ICE

Taboo to the touch

A fire in the cold

That was us

Welcome to a stage, where a soaring painting takes shape before your eyes, a big-booty poet stands at the mike, and there’s a seat right in front, just for you.

This is a place where wise old ladies live and boys act like horses.

This is a vision of love that was crushed and brought back to life.

And this is my story. I’m Orphea Proud. Welcome to the show.

As Orphea, who discovers her sexuality as a lesbian, shares her story, powerful questions of family, prejudice, and identity are explored.