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Openly Straight

Rafe came out in middle school in Colorado. His classmates were okay with it and his parents were beyond supportive. He began working as an advocate for gay teens, giving speeches and presentations, and ended up feeling like a poster child for being gay. It’s part of what led to his decision to transfer to a boy’s boarding school in New England in his junior year of high school and assume a new identity as a straight kid. His best friend back home is furious that he would betray himself. His parents are confused and hurt. But from Rafe’s perspective, he’s not ashamed of his identity, he’s just tired of being labeled and defined by it. And indeed, from his first day at his new school, everything is different. He’s embraced by the jocks, and doesn’t feel like he’s living a lie until he falls in love with his new friend Ben. An athlete who doesn’t tolerate homophobic comments, Ben is sensitive and honest, and vulnerable after his roommate’s struggle with depression. As Rafe grows closer to Ben, he begins to realize Ben can’t help but feel he’s been lied to once he learns the truth. Humor and emotional honestly are deftly balanced in this probing, truly funny novel about coming out—again. © Cooperative Children's Book Center

CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 14 and older
Age Range: Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format: Novel
Subjects: Depression Friendship Gays Homophobia Identity LGBTQ+ Persons Love and Romance School Trust
Diversity subject: LGBTQ Character/Topic

Publishers: Arthur A. Levine Books, Scholastic
Publish Year: 2013
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780545509893

CCBC Location: Fiction, Konigsberg

Openly Straight