Casey McQuiston meets Jen Ferguson in this cross-country journey of identity, love and friendships as Zoe tries to figure out her life, one train stop at a time.

LEAVING THE STATION
by Jake Maia Arlow
HarperCollins Children’s Books, July 2025

A story that deftly grapples with expectations of your future, dealing with identity, and the sheer heartwarming moments of falling in love, with laughs in-between.

Set during the days right before Thanksgiving break, Zoe is going back home from her disastrous first semester in college—and contemplating her future there and in her pre-med track. The author brings their own experiences to this complicated, deeply honest look at gender identity and sexuality.

Jake Maia Arlowis a Stonewall Honor author, podcast producer, and (reluctantly) Amtrak’s number one fan. They live with their girlfriend and loudcat in the Pacific Northwest.