The (Un)Popular Vote

Released June 2021 from Katherine Tegen Books

Red, White, and Royal Blue meets The West Wing in Jasper Sanchez’s electric and insightful #ownvoices YA debut, chronicling a transmasculine student’s foray into a no-holds-barred student body president election against the wishes of his politician father.

Vaseline on the teeth makes a smile shine. It’s a cheap stunt, but Mark Adams knows it’s optics that can win or ruin an election.

Everything Mark learned about politics, he learned from his father, the congressman who still pretends he has a daughter and not a son. To protect his father’s image, Mark promises to keep his past hidden and pretend to be the cis guy everyone assumes he is. But when he sees a manipulatively charming candidate for student body president inflame dangerous rhetoric, Mark decides to risk the low profile he assured his father and insert himself as a political challenger.

One big problem? No one really knows Mark. He didn’t grow up in this town, and he has few friends; plus, the ones he does have aren’t exactly with the in-crowd. Still, thanks to countless seasons of Scandal and The West Wing, these nerds know where to start: from campaign stops to voter polling to a fashion makeover. Soon Mark feels emboldened to get in front of and engage with voters—and even start a new romance. But with an investigative journalist digging into his past, a father trying to silence him, and a bully front-runner who stands in his way, Mark will have to decide which matters most: perception or truth, when both are just as dangerous.

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praise for the (un)popular vote

This is that rarity: a genuine novel of ideas that cuts its readers no slack… Refreshingly original, this debut by trans author Sanchez is a thoroughgoing delight that’s not to be missed.
— Booklist (starred review)

This smart and timely novel juxtaposes secrets and candor, cruelty and caring, and fear and forgiveness to explore the potential of just being yourself.
– San Francisco Chronicle Datebook

Sanchez balances the characters' quick-witted banter and mature political savvy with Mark's well-developed character arc, expertly portraying political drama, toxic masculinity and activism all in a character holding fiercely to his queer identity.
– Shelf Awareness

Heartwarming, inclusive, and intelligent. The plot is not neat and tidy but drips with realism.
– School Library Journal

Perfect for lovers of the Netflix show The Politician and the iconic Election movie starring Reese Witherspoon, The (Un)Popular Vote shines with its diverse cast of characters, high-concept politics, and empowerment for the queer community!
– The Nerd Daily

The (Un)Popular Vote is a testament to the power of listening to oneself.
– Seattle Gay News

Mind-bogglingly good. The narrative takes a smart, careful look at the intersection of identity and politics, and the fight in standing up for friends and ourselves, even against people that we love. I laughed, I cried, I rooted for Mark all the way. With everything that’s happening in the world right now politically, this is a novel that every teen needs.
– Kacen Callender, National Book Award winner

Charming, stunning, and unapologetically queer.
– Mason Deaver, bestselling author of I Wish You All the Best and The Ghosts We Keep

content warnings

explicit:
transphobia • misgendering • deadnaming • homophobia • bullying • brief violence • slut shaming • depression • anxiety • underage alcohol & marijuana use • swearing

non-explicit:
racism • classism • xenophobia • islamophobia • antisemitism