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Before You Can Fly
In 1988, being different can be dangerous. No one knows this better than fifteen-year-old Clayton Wheeler. He’s too tall, too awkward, and carrying a secret that could ruin him. At school he’s a target. At home, his stepfather makes everything much worse. His only escape—and his greatest joy—is the comic books he creates with his two best friends, imagining worlds where heroes like them finally win.
Then Derek, the childhood best friend Clayton thought he’d lost forever, moves back to town. He used to be an outsider like Clayton. Now Derek is confident, cool, and already a rising star of Redfield High’s football team. They shouldn’t click. Yet the connection between them flares back to life, powerful and risky in ways neither of them expected.
What begins between them becomes a secret that could cost Clayton everything. To survive, he must decide if hiding who he is will keep him safe—or break him before he ever has the chance to fly.
Then Derek, the childhood best friend Clayton thought he’d lost forever, moves back to town. He used to be an outsider like Clayton. Now Derek is confident, cool, and already a rising star of Redfield High’s football team. They shouldn’t click. Yet the connection between them flares back to life, powerful and risky in ways neither of them expected.
What begins between them becomes a secret that could cost Clayton everything. To survive, he must decide if hiding who he is will keep him safe—or break him before he ever has the chance to fly.
308 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 27, 2026
This book was a beautiful coming out young adult book. The trials and such Clayton had to endure during high school and figuring out his sexuality really brought back a lot of memories for me when I was his age and struggling with coming to terms with my sexuality. This was such a great read and if you ever would like to read a book to see what it really is like as a gay person working towards coping with their true self, I think you would enjoy this.
September 24, 2026
Jase Peeples’s Before You Can Fly takes us back to 1980s suburbia, where 15-year-old Clayton Wheeler is a delightful nerd who happens to be gay. He’s mercilessly teased by the football players at his school (aka the zombies, as his friend Roonie refers to them) and bullied by his homophobic stepfather. He escapes reality through the comic books he reads (and writes) with his two best friends. But when his childhood friend, Derek, comes back to town, Clayton’s life is turned upside down. Derek is everything Clayton’s not: Derek’s cool, a jock, confident…and the two share an undeniable connection.
But that connection leads to a secret Clayton must hide…or will he finally learn to fly?
One of my favorite aspects of Before You Can Fly is its believable and relatable LGBTQ+ characters. Clayton’s voice sounds like an actual 15-year-old’s (albeit not an obnoxious one), and his view of the world through superhero lenses is a more unique take on the coming-out experience. Derek doesn’t feel like a stereotype; instead, he defies them by being good at sports and video games, and he’s a generally chill guy who just happens to like guys. None of the characters are defined by what would, in a far worse novel, be their sole trait, like being gay, mixed race, or having vitiligo. These aspects are just part of who they are; it’s not their sole personality.
On the other hand, the villains actually feel more one-note. We’ve sadly seen Clayton’s stepfather in real life and in media many times over, which makes the character unfortunately realistic while also a little dull. The same goes for the football buffoons who make Clayton’s life hell. I did not go to a high school where jocks ruled (mine was quite the opposite), so I’m not sure how much the bullying jock trope is true to real life. While Clayton did have my sympathy, the jocks did feel stale. Perhaps they were more common in the 1980s when Before You Can Fly takes place.
Speaking of the 80s, Peeples fully immerses us in this neon world. The references to 80s songs, fashion, and video games are blended well with the harsher realities of the era, like the AIDS Crisis and the Reagan economy. I’m not sure how well Before You Can Fly would work if it were set today, since there are so many specifics tied to the tubular time period, which, in my opinion, is the mark of a strong setting and worthwhile story.
That’s not to say that Before You Can Fly isn’t timely. While AIDS isn’t as much of a misunderstood global epidemic, homophobia and transphobia still are. LGBTQ+ youth are still far more likely to be kicked out of their homes due to parents like Clayton’s stepfather and to experience bullying. At the same time, the butterflies of young love are still as sweet and awkward as ever. If only we could get to a time when everyone can fly freely, regardless of whom they love.
But that connection leads to a secret Clayton must hide…or will he finally learn to fly?
One of my favorite aspects of Before You Can Fly is its believable and relatable LGBTQ+ characters. Clayton’s voice sounds like an actual 15-year-old’s (albeit not an obnoxious one), and his view of the world through superhero lenses is a more unique take on the coming-out experience. Derek doesn’t feel like a stereotype; instead, he defies them by being good at sports and video games, and he’s a generally chill guy who just happens to like guys. None of the characters are defined by what would, in a far worse novel, be their sole trait, like being gay, mixed race, or having vitiligo. These aspects are just part of who they are; it’s not their sole personality.
On the other hand, the villains actually feel more one-note. We’ve sadly seen Clayton’s stepfather in real life and in media many times over, which makes the character unfortunately realistic while also a little dull. The same goes for the football buffoons who make Clayton’s life hell. I did not go to a high school where jocks ruled (mine was quite the opposite), so I’m not sure how much the bullying jock trope is true to real life. While Clayton did have my sympathy, the jocks did feel stale. Perhaps they were more common in the 1980s when Before You Can Fly takes place.
Speaking of the 80s, Peeples fully immerses us in this neon world. The references to 80s songs, fashion, and video games are blended well with the harsher realities of the era, like the AIDS Crisis and the Reagan economy. I’m not sure how well Before You Can Fly would work if it were set today, since there are so many specifics tied to the tubular time period, which, in my opinion, is the mark of a strong setting and worthwhile story.
That’s not to say that Before You Can Fly isn’t timely. While AIDS isn’t as much of a misunderstood global epidemic, homophobia and transphobia still are. LGBTQ+ youth are still far more likely to be kicked out of their homes due to parents like Clayton’s stepfather and to experience bullying. At the same time, the butterflies of young love are still as sweet and awkward as ever. If only we could get to a time when everyone can fly freely, regardless of whom they love.
May 9, 2026
I know these kids. I went to school with these kids, I am related to these kids. Jase Peeples has the gift of making characters you recognize. The way they think, the way they talk. I remember these kids.
Clayton is going through a rough time in life - his stepdad is a jerk, he's bullied at school, and his only respit is his friendship with Alister and Ronee. And comics. He loves them and manages to enjoy them despite the bullies and stepdad - and then childhood friend Derek shows up.
Derek has had a major glowup, from being on the social sidelines to being a star in the football team, and his chemistry with Clayton is undeniable. But things are never easy, certainly not for most of us in high school, and Clayton has to make sure that he navigates the neverending minefields of life if he wants the chance to fly.
I love books where friendships are strong and can survive the inevitable lapses of common sense of those within. And friendships that allow people to grow and change. Jase Peeples is a talent and I hope this book reaches many readers.
Clayton is going through a rough time in life - his stepdad is a jerk, he's bullied at school, and his only respit is his friendship with Alister and Ronee. And comics. He loves them and manages to enjoy them despite the bullies and stepdad - and then childhood friend Derek shows up.
Derek has had a major glowup, from being on the social sidelines to being a star in the football team, and his chemistry with Clayton is undeniable. But things are never easy, certainly not for most of us in high school, and Clayton has to make sure that he navigates the neverending minefields of life if he wants the chance to fly.
I love books where friendships are strong and can survive the inevitable lapses of common sense of those within. And friendships that allow people to grow and change. Jase Peeples is a talent and I hope this book reaches many readers.
August 16, 2026
Just wow!
Just Wow! This is an amazing story, it was like wondering through an old memory, or running into an old friend. You find your self pulled in to a conversation that brings back laughter, awe, tears and joy. This is a coming of age story placed in the 80s. Were living in a closet was a safety net from reality of the life at that time. And, the awakening of what life truly can be with a few friends and courage to be who you are. If you grew up in that time you see your life unfold again and if not you see the challenges from someone who has. Amazing read .. worth every penny.
Just Wow! This is an amazing story, it was like wondering through an old memory, or running into an old friend. You find your self pulled in to a conversation that brings back laughter, awe, tears and joy. This is a coming of age story placed in the 80s. Were living in a closet was a safety net from reality of the life at that time. And, the awakening of what life truly can be with a few friends and courage to be who you are. If you grew up in that time you see your life unfold again and if not you see the challenges from someone who has. Amazing read .. worth every penny.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews