Danforth Emily M. Books

Now a major motion picture starring Chloë Grace Moretz and a Sundance Grand Jury Prize Winner, this story captures the essence of a young girl navigating her identity in a conservative environment. After the death of her parents, Cameron Post feels an unexpected relief, having just shared a kiss with a girl. Living with her strict Aunt in small-town Montana, she suppresses her true self until an intense friendship with the captivating Coley Taylor ignites her inner conflict. In an effort to "correct" Cameron, her Aunt takes drastic measures, forcing Cameron to confront the challenges of embracing her identity, even as she grapples with uncertainty about who she truly is. This powerful debut novel explores themes of self-discovery and the courage required to live authentically. Praised for its unsentimental narrative and richly developed characters, it offers a compelling glimpse into the life of a questioning teenage girl in rural Montana during the early 1990s. With accolades from notable authors and a starred review from Kirkus, this story resonates deeply, making it an inspiring read for both teens and adults. Don't miss this raw and impactful tale, which serves as the basis for the acclaimed film.

In 1902, at The Brookhants School for Girls, Flo and Clara, two impressionable students, become infatuated with each other and the daring writer Mary MacLane, known for her scandalous memoir. To express their devotion, they form a secret club called The Plain Bad Heroine Society, meeting in an apple orchard, which becomes the site of their tragic deaths. Their bodies are found with a copy of Mary’s book beside them, victims of a swarm of yellow jackets. Less than five years later, the school closes after three more mysterious deaths occur on the property. Fast forward over a century, the abandoned Brookhants gains attention when writer Merritt Emmons publishes a book celebrating its queer, feminist history. This leads to a controversial horror film adaptation featuring celebrity Harper Harper as Flo and former child star Audrey Wells as Clara. As filming begins, the past and present intertwine, blurring the lines between the curse of Brookhants and Hollywood's exploitation. The narrative unfolds as a story within a story, enriched with black-and-white period illustrations, exploring themes of obsession, tragedy, and the haunting legacy of a once-prominent institution.