Something for Nothing by Connie Bailey is a contemporary homoerotic story.

Alvaro, with his friends Kiki and Leo, are the coolest nonconformists of their school and looked up to by many people. Eligio looks up to Alvaro after he saved him from Chuy and his bully friends. Alvaro is the love-em and leave-em guy who met his match when Candelario Carlisle arrived as a new student. Alvaro can't take his eyes off of Cande from the moment he met him. Alvaro leaves early to check on his mother until he is stopped when Eligio to tell him that Chuy and his gang jumped Cande. Alvaro finds Cande outnumbered, but sassing them in style. After ending the fight, Alvaro takes Cande back to patch him up, but he never expected his mother to take an interest in Cande after he cooked for them. Alvaro's mother has been withdrawn ever since his father left, but with Cande she starts coming back to life. Cande offers to come back to cook, but not accept any money from Alvaro. Cande is distrustful of everyone even after he admits that he likes guys to Alvaro. Alvaro and his friends are getting ready for a dance contest, but when Eligio tells them that they might try singing while they dance. Eligio invited Cande and when they talk him into singing, one at a time they join in and their voices blend in a beautiful harmony that inspires them to change their act and possible their very futures. Will Cande and Alvaro get a chance to explore their feelings? Will Alvaro, Cande, and their friends succeed at the contest?

Ms. Bailey has created lively and endearing characters who come to life for the reader. Alvaro is a fascinating combination of street punk and Momma's boy who hides his vulnerable soul. Cande is a mystery that Alvaro can't wait to uncover as his feelings become ensnared. Kiki and Leo add their unique flare to the story with their desire to succeed as they uncover their individual strengths. Eligio is the creative glue who pushes them toward their goal. I was inspired by their desire to overcome their pasts and achieve their dream. The guys with the help of one special teacher remind other people what being young and full of dreams is all about. Thanks go to Ms. Bailey for an extraordinary story.

Reviewed by: Teresa