Books like Not Otherwise Specified by Hannah Moskowitz

Etta attends an all‑girl high school in Nebraska where she feels she no longer fits in—she is not obviously gay enough for her former friends, not ill enough for her eating‑disorder group, and not thin enough for ballet. She harbors a burning desire to audition for a prestigious New York City performing‑arts high school that might elevate her into a community that acknowledges her versatility and confidence. Yet hopeful ambitions come with risks: she must navigate new friendships, unexpected rivalries, and the realities of living outside her familiar environment. Etta’s journey captures the challenges of adolescence, the search for authentic belonging, and the often–hidden pressures of body image and identity. As she transitions from Nebraska to the buzzing world of performing arts, she learns that friendship and self‑acceptance are more important than a polished diploma.

First publish date: 2015