The Other Side of the Ocean
Available to request on Edelweiss
Inspired by true events—a thoughtful, timely, and emotionally compelling story about coming of age, coming out, and coming into your own…
So much of who I was had to be hidden. I wondered how it would feel to let that part of me be on full display. Maybe I’d be given the chance to feel. To forget. Or even to breathe…
For most sixteen year olds, life is all about friends, fun, and family. But for Matt Franco, it’s different. Because Matt and his family are undocumented immigrants—like many other Brazilian emigres in his town. And that means he can’t get a job, he can’t get a driver’s license, and as for college? Get real. But Matt is also carrying a burden much closer to his own heart.
Matt is gay.
And right now, he’s the only one who knows it. But that changes when handsome, kind-eyed, and charming transfer student James Alberte walks into class. Because James isn’t just some queer teen crush. He’s everything Matt could ask for—and it’s James’ love, strength, and support that helps Matt finally come out to the world.
Unfortunately, love doesn’t necessarily make Matt’s situation any easier. He’s still stranded by his immigrant status, with a future that seems headed for a dead end. And if he’s ever going to be happy, Matt will have to decide what he wants, where he’s headed—and who he is at heart.
It won’t be simple. And it certainly won’t be easy.
But when it comes to life, love, and everything in between, what is?
The author of The Whispers of the Fallen and Henderbell series offers a moving, heartfelt story perfect for fans of Adam Silvera’s More Happy Than Not.
Reviews
“This novel is brilliantly executed, threaded through with linguistic gems and deeply rooted in both Brazilian culture and the mind of a teenage boy ... Heartfelt and authentically grounded; a must-read.”
"Drawing from events in his own life, Netto infuses the narrative with heartbreaking realness. While primarily a romance, this novel’s observations on immigration and citizenship seem more relevant and realistic with each passing day...Recommend to readers searching for realistic LGBTQ+ romance novels and fans of Jenny Torres Sanchez’s WE ARE NOT FROM HERE (2020)."
“J.D. Netto's timely and illuminating story captures the longing, joy, and heartache of being young, an immigrant, undocumented, queer - and in love.”Alex Sanchez, LAMBDA Award-winning author of RAINBOW BOYS and YOU BROUGHT ME THE OCEAN
“I absolutely loved this moving story that celebrates the courage it takes to love openly and live authentically in an uncertain world, offering readers humor, heart, and ultimately hope.”Isaac Fitzsimons, LAMBDA Award nominated author of THE PASSING PLAYBOOK
“J.D. Netto's THE OTHER SIDE OF THE OCEAN is a poetic and candid must-read queer coming-of-age story. Braiding humor and emotion, Matt's voice pulls readers into his life as he grapples with his first gay love and finds his place in the world as a young undocumented person. Honest and immersive, you won't want to put this book down.”Robin Gow, LAMBDA Award-winning author of DEAR MOTHMAN
“Powerful, deeply moving and beautifully written, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE OCEAN shines a light on the challenges of undocumented life, the courage it takes to embrace one’s truth, and the importance of all kinds of love. Everyone should read this book.”Cale Dietrich, internationally bestselling co-author of IF THIS GETS OUT
“This story is pure magic. Heartwarming and hopeful, I couldn't stop turning the page.”Emily Rath, New York Times bestselling author
“THE OTHER SIDE OF THE OCEAN is a beautifully queer and intersectional coming-of-age story, set over a decade in the past, that will undoubtedly strike a chord with today's readers. The uncertainty Matt and his friends face every single day is expertly rendered - Netto humanizes the experiences of undocumented teens in the United States yet maintains a sense of hope that the country’s laws might someday offer a pathway to citizenship so many need and deserve. Humorous, heartbreaking, and eye opening - this story will stay with me.”A. J. Sass, award-winning author of JUST SHY OF ORDINARY and ELLEN OUTSIDE THE LINES
“A heartwarming story of hope, resilience, and of daring to dream, bursting with authenticity that can only come from raw experience.”Elizabeth Sagan, BookTours360
“A deeply moving story that sheds light on the reality of so many undocumented teenagers in America.”Sasha Alsberg, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Androma Saga and the Breaking Time duology
"THE OTHER SIDE OF THE OCEAN is as heartwarming as it is timely. This sweet romance will sweep you off your feet."Matthias Roberts, author of HOLY RUNAWAYS and BEYOND SHAME
Awards & Accolades
#1 New Release in Teen & Young Adult Fiction about Emigration & Immigration (Amazon)
#14 in Teen & Young Adult Emigration & Immigration Fiction eBooks
#309 in Teen & Young Adult LGBTQ+ Fiction (Kindle Store)