Weirdos Welcome - by Cynthia Baseman (Paperback)

About the Book

A love story that's messy, awkward, and weirdly wonderful. Just like real life.

Book Synopsis

A love story that's messy, awkward, and weirdly wonderful. Just like real life.

Braden's anxiety sends him spiraling over things like quitting the basketball team and the air quality in the cafeteria, yet through it all, he manages to be charming and act like everything is Just Fine.

Rae is on the spectrum; her passion is rescuing dogs online. She struggles over masking her autism, navigating group projects, and telling people exactly what she thinks-whether they like it or not. Braden and Rae don't "fit in," which makes it even harder to survive high school. But when Braden begins investigating a local environmental scandal and Rae starts speaking her truth in a blog about being on the spectrum, their worlds collide. Soon, they're facing down bullies, fake bomb threats, blog trolls, and the terrifying vulnerability of first love.

Written in alternating viewpoints, Weirdos Welcome is a raw, funny, and fiercely compassionate neurodivergent love story about owning your oddness, standing up when it's easier to disappear, and finding that person who doesn't ask you to be "normal"-or even pretend to be. This is a story for anyone who's ever been called a freak, felt too much, or wondered if their quirks made them unlovable. Spoiler alert: They don't.

Review Quotes

"Cynthia Baseman offers a thoughtful portrayal of high school life that will speak to readers who appreciate character-driven stories rooted in emotional honesty and social awareness." -Readers' Favorite, 5-Stars

"[The characters'] paths to comfort and peace are bright examples of the power that comes with unconditional, genuine self-acceptance." -Publishers Weekly BookLife, Editor's Pick

"...both Braden and Rae are believable, modern high schoolers, and their worries and concerns will likely resonate well with the intended audience. An often enjoyable and relatable novel for teens looking for a read that tackles real-world issues." -Kirkus Indies