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.
1146110463
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.
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The Other Side of the Ocean

The Other Side of the Ocean

by J.D. Netto
The Other Side of the Ocean

The Other Side of the Ocean

by J.D. Netto

eBook

$8.99  $9.99 Save 10% Current price is $8.99, Original price is $9.99. You Save 10%.
Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on June 17, 2025

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Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781625677198
Publisher: JAB Books
Publication date: 06/17/2025
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 280

About the Author

J.D. Netto is a Brazilian-American bestselling author, best known for Henderbell, The Echoes of Fallen Stars, and The Broken Miracle, which inspired an album featuring artists such as Paul Cardall and David Archuleta. He’s been featured on USA Today, OK! Magazine, and ABC News.
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