The Other Side of the Ocean

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.
Praise for The Other Side of the Ocean:
"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." — Kirkus, Starred Review!
"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)." — Booklist, Starred Review!
"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
"A deeply moving story that sheds light on the reality of so many undocumented teenagers in America.." — Sasha Alsberg, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of The Androma Saga and Breaking Time duology