The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 006306023X
Pages: 400
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Sixteen-year-old Mexican-American Yamilet is starting over at a new school, and not just any school: a wealthy, mostly white, Catholic school outside the city that could not be more different than the city school she’s left. At her old school, Yami was outed by her (now ex-) best friend, a secret she managed to keep from her Mami, who she is sure would kick her out if she knew. At the new school, she’s determined to act “straight” and stay away from romance, keep her brother out of trouble, and work as much as she can to save money (in case Mami does find out, and she needs to survive on her own.) But then she meets Bo, a queer girl who is unabashedly out, and despite trying hard to ignore her feelings as they become friends, falls hard.

Yami is a vulnerable and very relatable character with a deep commitment to her family. The Mexican-American community around her is loving and strong, and at the core of her cultural identity; but at the same time the more intolerant religious beliefs held by the people she loves threaten her safety if her secret comes out. These deeper storylines ground the budding romance between Yami and Bo into a complex, layered novel with moments of humor and a sense of purpose. Yamilet begins the year often doubting her place in her family and even the world; but new friends and allies – and sometimes her own sheer force of will – help her figure out who she is in the best way possible. This is a debut work that feels very close to the author’s heart.

Highly recommend this to libraries looking to diversity their YA shelves.

Five stars/Cream of the Crop nominee

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library