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Author | Sonora Reyes |
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Language | English |
Genre | Young adult fiction |
Set in | Phoenix, Arizona |
Publisher | Balzer + Bray |
Publication date | May 17, 2022 |
Publication place | United States |
Media type | Print / Digital |
Pages | 385 |
Awards | Lambda Literary Award for Young Adult Literature (2023) |
ISBN | 978-0-06-306023-4 |
OCLC | 1264273041 |
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School is the debut young adult novel by American writer Sonora Reyes, published by Balzer + Bray in 2022. It was a finalist for the 2022 National Book Award for Young People's Literature and won the 2023 Lambda Literary Award for Young Adult Literature.
Sixteen-year-old Yamilet Flores, a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, is adjusting to her new, predominantly white Catholic school and reeling from being outed as a lesbian within her social circle. As she struggles to keep her sexuality a secret from her classmates and religious mother, she bonds with a classmate, Bo, who is out and proud. [1] [2]
The book speaks to the theme of "found family", as well as self-acceptance, and the relationship between queerness and religion. [1] Yamilet is frustrated that she has to hide her sexuality at school and from her mother for fear of rejection. [3]
Sonora Reyes drew on their experience growing up as a closeted queer Catholic school student to inform the book's content. [4]
Selenia Paz reviewed the book in the School Library Journal as "filled with humor and love, this fast-paced novel will have readers immersed in Yamilet's world, rooting for her and her loved ones all the way." [5] The book was described positively in Kirkus Reviews : "The portrayal of found family and the threads of love and acceptance woven into this story make it a satisfying read with a hopeful ending." [1] April Spisak praised the authors' portrayal of both difficult and joyful elements in the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books : "the ultimate tone is a celebratory one, highlighting the mom who loves her kids ferociously and the alternative prom held after same-sex couples are forbidden at school events." [6] The Lesbian Review concluded that those "in the mood to devour an engrossing, poignant and uplifting young adult novel [need] look no further because this story is filled with so much hope and love." [7]
The Chicago Public Library included The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School on their list of the best young adult novels of 2022. [8] The following year, it was included on Young Adult Library Services Association's list of Teens' Top Ten. [9]
Year | Award | Result | Ref. |
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2022 | Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction | Nominated | [10] |
National Book Award for Young People's Literature | Finalist | [11] [12] | |
2023 | Lambda Literary Award for Young Adult Literature | Won | [13] |
Pura Belpré Award | Honor | [14] [15] | |
Walter Dean Myers Award | Honor | [16] | |
William C. Morris Award | Finalist | [15] [17] |