Jay's Gay Agenda (Jay's Gay Agenda, #1) by Jason June
Published by HarperTeen on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 0063015153
Pages: 368
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Jay is the only out gay boy in his whole town. But his life changes in a big way when his parents announce their move to Seattle. Jay is so excited to meet other gay boys that he creates his own Gay Agenda full of experiences he can’t wait to have. Number one is meet another gay kid. Number eight is to lose his virginity. Upon starting school there, he is immediately taken under the wing of genderqueer Max and becomes the Vice President of the school’s Queer/Straight Alliance. Max decides to become Jay’s Gay Guide and help him accomplish his list. Jay throws himself into his new experiences a little too quickly, and drama ensues. However, Jay and the other characters get their happy endings. This is June’s first young adult book and he clearly had fun writing these characters. However, many of the characters feel more like caricatures than well-developed characters. This whole book takes place during about 6-8 weeks, ending right after homecoming, which feels incredibly rushed for all the plots to have taken place. All in all, it’s a fun read, particularly for those in the LGBTQ+ community. The book features lots of sexual acts and kissing, but it’s not graphic. Best for ages 15+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library