Hollywood coming-of-age love stories are often cliche: Boy meets girl.
Girl falls in love.
Boy breaks her heart.

Credit: Decisive Moment Events; Ben Rothstein
Girl finds herself and takes back the boy.
I will protect them with my life.
As for Leah, Albertalli felt the character had more to give.
I like the idea of a broader range of people feeling seen.
Leah on the Offbeat, available for pre-orderhere, comes out April 24.Love, Simonhits theatersFriday.