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According to Plan
From USA TODAY bestselling author Christen Randall comes a cozy, feel-good queer romance about self-discovery, finding your person, and carving out a space for yourself in unexpected places—perfect for fans of Heartstopper, Felix Ever After, and Julie Murphy.
As editor in chief of their school’s literary magazine, Mal Flowers expected senior year fall to be full of cozy sweaters, good coffee, and copyediting. They just want to stick to The Plan to graduate and get out of their small Midwestern town—a place where, as a broke, fat, queer person with ADHD, they’ve never really fit in. But when budget cuts result in the lit mag’s cancellation, Mal is suddenly scrambling to fill the hole in their college application.
That is, until Emerson Pike—who also has ADHD but is loud, confident, and Mal’s complete opposite—suggests the staff go rogue and create a zine instead. Which would be cool, except that making and selling contraband isn’t exactly what Mal envisioned as the extracurricular activity on their college application. A zine would be unofficial, unapproved, and definitely not in The Plan.
But a zine is also a good way to spend more time with Emerson, whose playful banter and bad jokes Mal can’t seem to get enough of. And maybe, with a group of new friends, the back of the charming coffee shop where Emerson works could be somewhere Mal does belong. Because breaking the rules with Emerson—and flirting with her over coffee—is fun.
Maybe The Plan isn’t the only way to find happiness, but can Mal let go of something they’ve depended on for so long?
As editor in chief of their school’s literary magazine, Mal Flowers expected senior year fall to be full of cozy sweaters, good coffee, and copyediting. They just want to stick to The Plan to graduate and get out of their small Midwestern town—a place where, as a broke, fat, queer person with ADHD, they’ve never really fit in. But when budget cuts result in the lit mag’s cancellation, Mal is suddenly scrambling to fill the hole in their college application.
That is, until Emerson Pike—who also has ADHD but is loud, confident, and Mal’s complete opposite—suggests the staff go rogue and create a zine instead. Which would be cool, except that making and selling contraband isn’t exactly what Mal envisioned as the extracurricular activity on their college application. A zine would be unofficial, unapproved, and definitely not in The Plan.
But a zine is also a good way to spend more time with Emerson, whose playful banter and bad jokes Mal can’t seem to get enough of. And maybe, with a group of new friends, the back of the charming coffee shop where Emerson works could be somewhere Mal does belong. Because breaking the rules with Emerson—and flirting with her over coffee—is fun.
Maybe The Plan isn’t the only way to find happiness, but can Mal let go of something they’ve depended on for so long?
416 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
21 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 1, 2025
ACCORDING TO PLAN is a joyful, neurodivergent love letter to zines, coffee, and finding your people when the plan falls apart. Warm, witty, and wonderfully queer — this is the story every anxious overachiever didn’t know they needed! Perfect for fans of Felix Ever After and Alice Oseman, and anyone who's ever needed a backup plan for their backup plan.
October 2, 2025
I need this author to write faster because this is their second book and both were five star reads
December 12, 2025
I absolutely adored this. I don’t read many YA books anymore but Christen Randall’s never fail to delight me, no matter my age.
Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC for review!
Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC for review!
February 12, 2026
• arc review •
release date - february 3rd, 2026
thank you to simon teen for a gifted arc copy of according to plan, in exchange for my honest review.
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Ugh, I loved this book so much!!!! A heartwarming YA with themes that will tug at your heart strings. Found family, coming of age, and self discovery. I loved Mal and Emerson. Mal and their sister Maddie are like super best friends and I love how much Maddie is there for them, even during the times Mal forgets things. Emerson is perfect for Mal and I love them together. I enjoyed this book so much!
Rep in the book: anxiety, nonbinary, ADHD, queer, fat/plus-size, autistic
release date - february 3rd, 2026
thank you to simon teen for a gifted arc copy of according to plan, in exchange for my honest review.
———————
Ugh, I loved this book so much!!!! A heartwarming YA with themes that will tug at your heart strings. Found family, coming of age, and self discovery. I loved Mal and Emerson. Mal and their sister Maddie are like super best friends and I love how much Maddie is there for them, even during the times Mal forgets things. Emerson is perfect for Mal and I love them together. I enjoyed this book so much!
Rep in the book: anxiety, nonbinary, ADHD, queer, fat/plus-size, autistic
February 17, 2026
thank you to atheneum books for young readers and simonteen for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
sometimes reading a book of a neurodivergent, fat, queer teen is just what you need in life. for the most part, mal was such a compelling character to follow. they are so focused on the plan™️ to get them through their senior year, that when it falls apart due to their extra curricular being defunded by the school, their whole identity essentially to fall apart. and boy do i relate to feeling unnerved when your plan does not go how you wanted.
first off, while i had some gripes with how mal and maddie handled their sibling relationships, i do appreciate how they had a very strong connection. this was especially true with how they look out for each other when their parents give them (mostly mal) hard times for their actions and hobbies.
overall, this was truly a lovely story of mal creating a space for them to grow for themselves and into a greater queer community. i really loved seeing how they created this zine, something so near and dear to queer communities, you could really tell that the author has such a love for the art form. it really bled onto the pages perfectly. however, i personally didn’t connect too much with mal’s relationship with emerson. i appreciated how open and straightforward they were with each other and their feelings. i think, i personally just felt more of a platonic vibe between the two, but i loved how they interacted and thrived in their space with mixed media, even if emerson also stressed me out 9/10 times.
side note, i would also loooove to see more about sam, they were such an interesting side character and i would love to see randall create a companion novel following their college life!
sometimes reading a book of a neurodivergent, fat, queer teen is just what you need in life. for the most part, mal was such a compelling character to follow. they are so focused on the plan™️ to get them through their senior year, that when it falls apart due to their extra curricular being defunded by the school, their whole identity essentially to fall apart. and boy do i relate to feeling unnerved when your plan does not go how you wanted.
first off, while i had some gripes with how mal and maddie handled their sibling relationships, i do appreciate how they had a very strong connection. this was especially true with how they look out for each other when their parents give them (mostly mal) hard times for their actions and hobbies.
overall, this was truly a lovely story of mal creating a space for them to grow for themselves and into a greater queer community. i really loved seeing how they created this zine, something so near and dear to queer communities, you could really tell that the author has such a love for the art form. it really bled onto the pages perfectly. however, i personally didn’t connect too much with mal’s relationship with emerson. i appreciated how open and straightforward they were with each other and their feelings. i think, i personally just felt more of a platonic vibe between the two, but i loved how they interacted and thrived in their space with mixed media, even if emerson also stressed me out 9/10 times.
side note, i would also loooove to see more about sam, they were such an interesting side character and i would love to see randall create a companion novel following their college life!
February 7, 2026
Rep: ADHD, autistic, queer, fat/plus-size, dyslexic, anxiety, nonbinary
Thank you @simonteen @Libro.fm and @Netgalley for the ARC and ALC. It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I was fully in. This story occupies a unique niche and is a love letter to zine-making teens, while also engaging with more broadly relevant themes like coming of age, found family, and self-discovery. At its heart, it’s a neurodivergent love story about finding your person, as well as your passion and voice through mixed media.
The relationships in this book were often painful to read, especially Mal’s relationship with their parents and sister. It felt like no one truly cared for Mal or held space for them, with everything instead centering on their sister Maddie’s feelings and needs, along with their mom’s whims. Because of that, it was genuinely encouraging to see Mal begin to stretch out, take up space, and start finding themselves on their own terms.
CW: ableism, fatphobia, body shaming, deadnaming, mental illness, transphobia, gaslighting
Thank you @simonteen @Libro.fm and @Netgalley for the ARC and ALC. It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I was fully in. This story occupies a unique niche and is a love letter to zine-making teens, while also engaging with more broadly relevant themes like coming of age, found family, and self-discovery. At its heart, it’s a neurodivergent love story about finding your person, as well as your passion and voice through mixed media.
The relationships in this book were often painful to read, especially Mal’s relationship with their parents and sister. It felt like no one truly cared for Mal or held space for them, with everything instead centering on their sister Maddie’s feelings and needs, along with their mom’s whims. Because of that, it was genuinely encouraging to see Mal begin to stretch out, take up space, and start finding themselves on their own terms.
CW: ableism, fatphobia, body shaming, deadnaming, mental illness, transphobia, gaslighting
February 1, 2026
4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for this advanced copy! You can pick up According to Plan on February 3, 2026.
If there's one thing Christen Randall's going to do, it's write a gorgeously queer, uplifting, relatable YA romance that encompasses SO much more than first meets the eye. You might think this story is simply about our main character, Mal, finding a new hobby or extracurricular activity after their school's literary magazine gets cut. But According to Plan delves into themes of self-identity and expression, navigating the world with ADHD, the complicated relationships that drive families, and more.
Mal has relied on The Plan for so long that when things go sideways (losing their lit mag), they don't know how to move forward without something concrete to move toward. Add in the stress of homework, working a part-time job, showing up for their sister, and not disappointing their mom, and we can see how Mal is in a constant state of stress and anxiety.
I appreciate how Christen doesn't shy away from depictions of what it means to be neurodivergent. We understand how Mal's brain organizes things, how certain things slip away, how hard it can be to focus or navigate social situations. Although Mal's mother and teachers may not understand how this impacts Mal's everyday life, there are others in their circle who allow them to be themself and do things in their own way, without judgment or embarrassment.
Enter Emerson Pike, a girl who is sunshine personified and makes Mal feel comfortable and confident in exploring life without The Plan. Together, the two decide to run their own version of the school's literary magazine by creating zines, with the help of some former staff members. Although Mal is apprehensive about going behind the school's back to sell a student-run publication, with Emerson's help, they slowly feel more invested in MixxedMedia and the possibilities it creates.
Emerson was a lovely foil for Mal, not because one is outgoing while the other is more reserved, but because Emerson always created space for Mal to do or say whatever they needed. For so long, Mal was forced to contrort themself (physically and mentally) for others, and finally, here was a person who allowed them to be themself, messiness and all. Their romance was sweet and slow in the best way.
But aside from Emerson, Mal also formed connections with the other members of MixxedMedia. I absolutely loved this found family dynamic and how Christen showcases the value of having free, shared third spaces where people can create community and fellowship without stress. The MixxedMedia staff would meet in the back room of a local coffeehouse, slowly turning the space into a welcoming hangout area where they could write, edit, read, do homework, eat snacks, etc. We underestimate how necessary this type of space is, especially for teens and queer people.
While Mal's homelife wasn't terrible, I was glad to see them enacting change in their relationships with their sister and mom. For so long, Mal's plan revolved around following their sister, Maddie, to a university outside of Covington one day. But throughout the book, as Mal gets more invested in MixxedMedia and pursues interests outside of Maddie's, we see the siblings' relationship shift to allow room for them to have shared and separate hobbies. And as for Mal's mom, I'm glad they soon realized that they don't need her to like or approve of everything Mal does. They're about to be an adult, transitioning into the next stage of their life, and they can do that without their mom's wishes and demands weighing them down.
Overall, this book is a wonderful testament to discovering new passions, creating queer community, being neurodivergent and fat, and changing The Plan.
If there's one thing Christen Randall's going to do, it's write a gorgeously queer, uplifting, relatable YA romance that encompasses SO much more than first meets the eye. You might think this story is simply about our main character, Mal, finding a new hobby or extracurricular activity after their school's literary magazine gets cut. But According to Plan delves into themes of self-identity and expression, navigating the world with ADHD, the complicated relationships that drive families, and more.
Mal has relied on The Plan for so long that when things go sideways (losing their lit mag), they don't know how to move forward without something concrete to move toward. Add in the stress of homework, working a part-time job, showing up for their sister, and not disappointing their mom, and we can see how Mal is in a constant state of stress and anxiety.
I appreciate how Christen doesn't shy away from depictions of what it means to be neurodivergent. We understand how Mal's brain organizes things, how certain things slip away, how hard it can be to focus or navigate social situations. Although Mal's mother and teachers may not understand how this impacts Mal's everyday life, there are others in their circle who allow them to be themself and do things in their own way, without judgment or embarrassment.
Enter Emerson Pike, a girl who is sunshine personified and makes Mal feel comfortable and confident in exploring life without The Plan. Together, the two decide to run their own version of the school's literary magazine by creating zines, with the help of some former staff members. Although Mal is apprehensive about going behind the school's back to sell a student-run publication, with Emerson's help, they slowly feel more invested in MixxedMedia and the possibilities it creates.
Emerson was a lovely foil for Mal, not because one is outgoing while the other is more reserved, but because Emerson always created space for Mal to do or say whatever they needed. For so long, Mal was forced to contrort themself (physically and mentally) for others, and finally, here was a person who allowed them to be themself, messiness and all. Their romance was sweet and slow in the best way.
But aside from Emerson, Mal also formed connections with the other members of MixxedMedia. I absolutely loved this found family dynamic and how Christen showcases the value of having free, shared third spaces where people can create community and fellowship without stress. The MixxedMedia staff would meet in the back room of a local coffeehouse, slowly turning the space into a welcoming hangout area where they could write, edit, read, do homework, eat snacks, etc. We underestimate how necessary this type of space is, especially for teens and queer people.
While Mal's homelife wasn't terrible, I was glad to see them enacting change in their relationships with their sister and mom. For so long, Mal's plan revolved around following their sister, Maddie, to a university outside of Covington one day. But throughout the book, as Mal gets more invested in MixxedMedia and pursues interests outside of Maddie's, we see the siblings' relationship shift to allow room for them to have shared and separate hobbies. And as for Mal's mom, I'm glad they soon realized that they don't need her to like or approve of everything Mal does. They're about to be an adult, transitioning into the next stage of their life, and they can do that without their mom's wishes and demands weighing them down.
Overall, this book is a wonderful testament to discovering new passions, creating queer community, being neurodivergent and fat, and changing The Plan.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As refreshing as a caffeinated blast from Haus, ACCORDING TO PLAN is a satisfying addition to the YA contemporary landscape--which feels like it is being a bit forgotten in a world of readers longing to escape our world. But this book is a reminder that there's so much to love right where we are: in the cities that feel tired and limiting. In the friends we haven't fully explored. In our bodies that feel not-quite-right, our brains that feel like too much, in our queerness and strangeness, that we shrink for fear of being pushed out of a world we simply have to survive in.
The plot here is about an underground high school zine, and it's just as much about carving out spaces in the world for ourselves and people like us. As someone diagnosed with ADHD in my adult life, I know the gravity of that neurodivergence and the way it can make you feel like you kinda suck at life, like, all the time. In every way. It was validating to feel like the story treats Mal's condition not as something to excuse broken promises or failed assignments, but as something that drives innovation, creativity, and open conversation about what makes someone tick. They might be a steady, muted character only in comparison to their loud, bright, emoji-explosion of a girlfriend, Emerson (seriously I love grumpy 4 sunshine), but they feel intensely relatable and special in the way they carry the beats of the story, and the way they put one foot in front of the other as they march towards their goals, towards community, and places they can be themself entirely.
In addition to the heavier themes, I think teens and readers of all ages will enjoy finding a contemporary story that is sweet with Southern charm, nerdy banter, a queer romance that believes in itself, and a cast of quirky characters who all belong together. ACCORDING TO PLAN says make something that matters...which means believing that you matter too.
The plot here is about an underground high school zine, and it's just as much about carving out spaces in the world for ourselves and people like us. As someone diagnosed with ADHD in my adult life, I know the gravity of that neurodivergence and the way it can make you feel like you kinda suck at life, like, all the time. In every way. It was validating to feel like the story treats Mal's condition not as something to excuse broken promises or failed assignments, but as something that drives innovation, creativity, and open conversation about what makes someone tick. They might be a steady, muted character only in comparison to their loud, bright, emoji-explosion of a girlfriend, Emerson (seriously I love grumpy 4 sunshine), but they feel intensely relatable and special in the way they carry the beats of the story, and the way they put one foot in front of the other as they march towards their goals, towards community, and places they can be themself entirely.
In addition to the heavier themes, I think teens and readers of all ages will enjoy finding a contemporary story that is sweet with Southern charm, nerdy banter, a queer romance that believes in itself, and a cast of quirky characters who all belong together. ACCORDING TO PLAN says make something that matters...which means believing that you matter too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc! I was originally drawn to this title because it is about a girl named Mal whose art literary magazine at school is canceled and who starts up a zine instead. As a former co editor-in-chief of my high school's literary magazine and art editor of my college one, I was interested in reading this storyline. However, the story turned out to be about much more than.
Mal is (as she describes herself) a fat, queer, non-binary person with ADHD and is possibly autistic. She has never really felt like she has fit in-- her mom is hard on her and she has always followed along with what her sister Maddie wants to do . When her school's literary magazine, Collage, is canceled due to lack of funding, Mal's Plan for herself, of having this extracurricular to get into college, collapses.
Mal starts looking for another actitvity to join and finally meets up with Emerson who also has ADHD. Together they decide to start a zine, which is not official, not approved, and is not part of Mal's plan. It's awesome to see how the zine develops, the people they meet along the way, and the community that they create.
I gave this book a 4 instead of a 5 because there was a slow build up. If I wasn't reading this book as part of a book challenge, I might have DNF'd it. At 416 pages, it felt like there could have been some editing of the first 50 pages or so to get to the main part of the story more quickly.
Mal is (as she describes herself) a fat, queer, non-binary person with ADHD and is possibly autistic. She has never really felt like she has fit in-- her mom is hard on her and she has always followed along with what her sister Maddie wants to do . When her school's literary magazine, Collage, is canceled due to lack of funding, Mal's Plan for herself, of having this extracurricular to get into college, collapses.
Mal starts looking for another actitvity to join and finally meets up with Emerson who also has ADHD. Together they decide to start a zine, which is not official, not approved, and is not part of Mal's plan. It's awesome to see how the zine develops, the people they meet along the way, and the community that they create.
I gave this book a 4 instead of a 5 because there was a slow build up. If I wasn't reading this book as part of a book challenge, I might have DNF'd it. At 416 pages, it felt like there could have been some editing of the first 50 pages or so to get to the main part of the story more quickly.
February 5, 2026
I received this book as an ARC on Netgalley, however all opinions are my own.
So the reason I wanted to read this is because as you all know, "The No - Girlfriend Rule", my favourite book, the book that initially was my gateway into reading queer stories, is by the same author. So the moment I saw that they were writing a new book I knew I had to get my hands on it. Friends, I really enjoyed every single minute of reading this book. The one thing that Christen does well is make sure that almost everyone has someone they can relate to in their books. The diversity in their stories is honestly something all authors should aspire to. I feel like every time I'm reading a story by them I'm included and spending time within the friendship groups that has been formed. I love that they seem to use their own experiences and emotions to write from, and it makes it so much easier to empathise with each and every one of their characters. I love that their characters prove you can be loveable and flawed at the same time, and it doesn't have to be one way or another. If Christen keeps writing this way they're forever going to be on my auto - buy list. I definitely would recommend this to anyone and everyone who just wants a cute, cozy, queer romance.
So the reason I wanted to read this is because as you all know, "The No - Girlfriend Rule", my favourite book, the book that initially was my gateway into reading queer stories, is by the same author. So the moment I saw that they were writing a new book I knew I had to get my hands on it. Friends, I really enjoyed every single minute of reading this book. The one thing that Christen does well is make sure that almost everyone has someone they can relate to in their books. The diversity in their stories is honestly something all authors should aspire to. I feel like every time I'm reading a story by them I'm included and spending time within the friendship groups that has been formed. I love that they seem to use their own experiences and emotions to write from, and it makes it so much easier to empathise with each and every one of their characters. I love that their characters prove you can be loveable and flawed at the same time, and it doesn't have to be one way or another. If Christen keeps writing this way they're forever going to be on my auto - buy list. I definitely would recommend this to anyone and everyone who just wants a cute, cozy, queer romance.
February 10, 2026
This was a heartfelt, affirming YA contemporary with truly fantastic representation. Mal is a neurodivergent, fat, nonbinary main character whose voice feels authentic and deeply relatable, especially in the way they rely on structure and "The Plan" to feel grounded. When their school’s literary magazine is canceled and they end up creating an underground zine with the bold, chaotic Emerson, Mal is pushed to rethink control, creativity, and what belonging can look like. The ADHD rep felt thoughtful and nuanced, and identity is woven naturally into the story without ever feeling tokenized.
I especially loved the communication between Mal and Emerson. Their romantic relationship models what it looks like to have hard conversations in healthy, honest ways, messy at times, but grounded in care and growth. The slow-burn romance is full of cozy coffee-shop banter and genuine emotional connection, and the found-family vibes within the zine crew added so much warmth. While the coming-of-age arc follows some familiar YA beats, the strong characterization and affirming representation made this a really satisfying, cozy read about letting go of rigid expectations and finding people who truly see you.
I especially loved the communication between Mal and Emerson. Their romantic relationship models what it looks like to have hard conversations in healthy, honest ways, messy at times, but grounded in care and growth. The slow-burn romance is full of cozy coffee-shop banter and genuine emotional connection, and the found-family vibes within the zine crew added so much warmth. While the coming-of-age arc follows some familiar YA beats, the strong characterization and affirming representation made this a really satisfying, cozy read about letting go of rigid expectations and finding people who truly see you.
February 7, 2026
Thank you to Simon Teen for the free book and to Simon Audio for the audiobook. These opinions are my own.
This was such a great book from Christen Randall, and I'll definitely be reading more from them. Mal is a senior in high school and looking forward to being editor-in-chief of the school literary magazine. It's an important part of their Plan (proper noun intended) for getting accepted to college. But before the school year can really begin, the school cuts funding, and Collage is disbanded.
I have always loved coffee shops and third spaces. The one in this book became such an amazing community space and a truly special safe and queer space. Reading all of the scenes there just felt so warm and inviting.
I greatly appreciated learning about zines. I want to feature more in my Little Free Library now. And I frankly want to take the classes on zines and queer history that were referenced in the book. Were those real? Please?
Beyond that, the book makes space for so many types of diversity and acceptance. We see two characters with ADHD who complement each other but without presenting in the same way. And I think that is such important neurodivergent representation. Additionally, there was beautiful body positvity.
Most of all, there was such a lovely romance. It was perfectly matched to the age of seniors in high school. I wanted to jump into this book and join them. Krystal Hammond narrated the audiobook beautifully.
September 15, 2025
I got lucky enough to read an early draft of this book because Christen is a good friend of mine and needed a few more sets of eyes on it before it got sent off for edits. I will admit that I'm totally biased because I think Christen is really cool and I like how they write.
That being said, I resounded with this book so much more than I ever did with The No-Girlfriend Rule. Not that TNGR is bad, I actually just reread it and it's even better the second time around, but because I relate far more to Mal and Emerson's brands of neurodivergency than I do to Hollis'. I felt so, so seen by Mal Flowers and their need for a Plan. This book is so important for the kids that are autistic or ADHD. Christen writes from the heart and uses their own experiences for these characters, and it shows.
I hope once this gets fully released, librarians and teachers and anyone that just enjoys middle grade fiction will be able to read this and relate to it themselves, or know exactly who to give it to. It's a special kind of book like that.
That being said, I resounded with this book so much more than I ever did with The No-Girlfriend Rule. Not that TNGR is bad, I actually just reread it and it's even better the second time around, but because I relate far more to Mal and Emerson's brands of neurodivergency than I do to Hollis'. I felt so, so seen by Mal Flowers and their need for a Plan. This book is so important for the kids that are autistic or ADHD. Christen writes from the heart and uses their own experiences for these characters, and it shows.
I hope once this gets fully released, librarians and teachers and anyone that just enjoys middle grade fiction will be able to read this and relate to it themselves, or know exactly who to give it to. It's a special kind of book like that.
February 14, 2026
I loved how the MC is openly nonbinary and their identity is not a part of the plot in terms of having to come out to others. They’re also fat, which isn’t something that is depicted in a lot of mainstream books, especially in the YA genre
The way neurodivergence is also discussed is so refreshing because of Randall’s written perspective of a person with ADHD. Mal’s internal thought process of how they interpret conversations as opposed to how their sister Maddie interprets them is easy to depict, while still not shying away from how it mentally impacts them
I also LOVE some sapphic flirting and banter, and for two neurodivergent queer people (NBLW) to be open with each other and not focus too heavy on how to flirt “correctly” was also refreshing
Thank you to Simon Teen for the gifted copy of this adorable book!
The way neurodivergence is also discussed is so refreshing because of Randall’s written perspective of a person with ADHD. Mal’s internal thought process of how they interpret conversations as opposed to how their sister Maddie interprets them is easy to depict, while still not shying away from how it mentally impacts them
I also LOVE some sapphic flirting and banter, and for two neurodivergent queer people (NBLW) to be open with each other and not focus too heavy on how to flirt “correctly” was also refreshing
Thank you to Simon Teen for the gifted copy of this adorable book!
November 17, 2025
5/5 stars
According to Plan is a delightful young adult queer romance with plus size main characters and fantastic neurodivergent representation!
What I Liked:
~ Queer plus size MCs!
~ Lovable & diverse ensemble of characters!
~ Great ADHD / disability representation!
~ Adorable romance & great chemistry between MCs!
~ Entertaining plot with great pacing!
What I Didn’t Like
~ Mal’s parents, (argh of frustration!) but this aspect of the story felt very accurate to the experience of many neurodivergent teens.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
According to Plan is a delightful young adult queer romance with plus size main characters and fantastic neurodivergent representation!
What I Liked:
~ Queer plus size MCs!
~ Lovable & diverse ensemble of characters!
~ Great ADHD / disability representation!
~ Adorable romance & great chemistry between MCs!
~ Entertaining plot with great pacing!
What I Didn’t Like
~ Mal’s parents, (argh of frustration!) but this aspect of the story felt very accurate to the experience of many neurodivergent teens.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2026
4.5 stars
I can see why this book is getting some great reviews from professional publications because it is such a great story. There's a strong cast of characters who all feel rounded, and Mal's journey from the beginning to end of this book felt so real and authentic. I especially appreciated the way they learned what they really wanted after school, and eventually learning to speak up for themselves.
My only qualm is that it felt a little long for a contemporary book, but I can see a lot of teens gravitating towards this story. One to keep on your radar for the year!
I can see why this book is getting some great reviews from professional publications because it is such a great story. There's a strong cast of characters who all feel rounded, and Mal's journey from the beginning to end of this book felt so real and authentic. I especially appreciated the way they learned what they really wanted after school, and eventually learning to speak up for themselves.
My only qualm is that it felt a little long for a contemporary book, but I can see a lot of teens gravitating towards this story. One to keep on your radar for the year!
December 16, 2025
I liked this enough. I liked the concept of the plot and most of the characters but I just wasn’t able to be “hooked” by this. Mal was a good character. I really liked how they never gave up on what they wanted to do. I hated that their mom was an ass. She truly got on my nerves and I just skipped over her parts.
While this did drag a bit for me, it was easy to read. I think others will probably enjoy this a little more than me.
While this did drag a bit for me, it was easy to read. I think others will probably enjoy this a little more than me.
February 5, 2026
This was an engaging story about a nonbinary teen and how they find their place in the world. I loved the representation of all the characters and especially Mal's journey. The sister relationship was an important side plot that was done well. Although I really liked the incorporation of zines, I'm not sure that today's teens will care about it much. Probably one that I'll purchase, but probably more of a niche audience.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much Simon Teen for the physical ARC! 💗 This was so cute and sweet and fun. I loved the neurodivergent representation that we get in our man character and in the other characters. The found family in this book reminded me so much of Heartstopper- you can feel the queer joy jumping off the page! I highly recommend this!
February 7, 2026
3.5 stars
I was able to get an advanced copy of According to Plan when I met Christen at Books by the Banks a few months ago! This YA queer romance has it all with great ADHD/ neurodivergent rep, plus sized main characters, found family, finding space for yourself in the chaos and change of high school and coffee! So much coffee!
I was able to get an advanced copy of According to Plan when I met Christen at Books by the Banks a few months ago! This YA queer romance has it all with great ADHD/ neurodivergent rep, plus sized main characters, found family, finding space for yourself in the chaos and change of high school and coffee! So much coffee!
February 8, 2026
I wanted to love this one because I adored No-Girlfriend Rule so much. I just couldn't get hooked into According to Plan. It's just very low stakes and slow-paced. I love Emerson, and I wish there was more of her early on, if not dual POV.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
February 15, 2026
This book is one of the most tender and accurate portrayals of neurodivergence and queerness I’ve ever read. It is such a marvelous read that emphasizes found family, sifting through questions of identity and sense of self, and having meaningful conversations with those we love.
It was a fun read, an easy read, and one that explored significant depth nonetheless.
It was a fun read, an easy read, and one that explored significant depth nonetheless.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
gorgeously fun novel of queer joy with an absolutely amazing main character in Mal and some pretty fun side-plots. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
February 3, 2026
My friend crushed it. I laughed, I cried, I had a great time. Full review to come!
February 14, 2026
Loved it so much!!!
October 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, the characters growth was amazing. Mal becoming their own person despite not always knowing what path to take. I will say their mom got on my nerves, the backhanded compliments and the comments about having to be there for your sister was genuinely so sad. The parents weren’t there for Mal. In the end though, this book was well written with amazing plus size representation as well as great queer rep too.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)
Read For
✓ Coffee
✓ Queer Joy
✓ Young Adult
✓ Good Friendships
✓ Good Anxiety Rep
⚠️ Content Warning
Minor: Ableism, Gaslighting
𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊
Spice Level: n/a
Sad Level: 💧
Plot: 8/10
Pace: 9/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Enjoyability: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Would I Recommend? Yes
Favorite Character: Mal
Favorite Quote: (coming soon, once quotes can be confirmed with the published version)
POV: Third Person
Pages: 320
Format: ebook
Language: English
Release Date: 03, February 2026
Rep/Extras: LGBTQIA+ Characters, Neurodivergent Characters
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was such a fun YA novel with amazing representation and Neurodivergency at its core! I loved the relationships that formed in this one, and I really enjoyed this love letter to zines while also focusing on self-discovery.
Mal is a fantastic character and I honestly loved watching her grow, especially when it came to doing what she wanted and finding who she was and what she loved. I won't lie, there are parts of her story really broke my heart, especially when it came to her relationship with her mother but it was honestly so lovely to watch Mal become her own person.
According to Plan is a warm and beautiful coming of age YA novel, which I absolutely recommend picking up if you are looking for a great LGBTQ+ romance with amazing characters and banter.
Mal is a fantastic character and I honestly loved watching her grow, especially when it came to doing what she wanted and finding who she was and what she loved. I won't lie, there are parts of her story really broke my heart, especially when it came to her relationship with her mother but it was honestly so lovely to watch Mal become her own person.
According to Plan is a warm and beautiful coming of age YA novel, which I absolutely recommend picking up if you are looking for a great LGBTQ+ romance with amazing characters and banter.
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