The Truth About Triangles

A heartfelt contemporary middle grade novel perfect for fans of Front Desk, following Luca Salvatore, a young gay Italian American trying to save his family's pizza restaurant and a life that feels like it's falling apart after he learns that his parents may be separating and his first crush and best friend might be into each other.

Twelve-year-old Luca Salvatore is always running interference: in arguments between his younger twin siblings, in his parents' troubled marriage, and between Will, the cute new boy in town, and Luca's best friend, June, who just can't seem to get along.

When the host of his favorite culinary TV show announces an open call for submissions for its final season, Luca is sure getting his family's failing pizzeria on the show will save it and bring his falling-apart family together. Surprisingly, securing a spot is easier than kneading dough—but when the plan to fix everything comes out burned, Luca is left scrambling to figure out just the right recipe to bring his family and his friends back together.

From Lambda Literary finalist Michael Leali, The Truth About Triangles is full of heart, perfect for readers of Lisa Jenn Bigelow, Kelly Yang, and Maulik Pancholy.

• First Crush: Luca thinks the new boy, Will, is perfect. But navigating a first crush is complicated, especially when you’re trying to keep your family from falling apart.
• A Messy Love Triangle: Things get even more complex when Luca’s best friend, June, seems to have a crush on Will, too. Now Luca is stuck between the two people he cares about most.
• Saving the Family Business: To save his parents’ marriage and their pizzeria, Mamma Gianna’s, Luca schemes to get them on his favorite reality TV cooking show. It’s a long shot, but it’s the only one he has.
• Dealing with Divorce: A poignant story about what happens when parents separate, finding your voice, and discovering the perfect recipe for who you’re meant to be.