The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School is a debut young adult novel by American writer Sonora Reyes. It was published May 17, 2022 by Balzer + Bray/Harper Collins. The book was a finalist for the 2022 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School
AuthorSonora Reyes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
GenreYoung adult fiction
Set inPhoenix, Arizona
PublisherBalzer + Bray
Publication date
May 17, 2022
Media typePrint / Digital
Pages385
ISBN978-0-06-306023-4
OCLC1264273041
Websitehttps://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-lesbianas-guide-to-catholic-school-sonora-reyes?variant=40651073650722

Plot

16-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]

Themes and background

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]

Reception

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]

Accolades

References
  1. "THE LESBIANA'S GUIDE TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL". Kirkus. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  2. "Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School Book Review | Common Sense Media". www.commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
  3. Recinos, Eva. "I Wish I Had The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School as a Teen". Elle. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  4. Cedillo, Melissa (2022-06-24). "Through queer protagonist, novelist revisits Catholic school". National Catholic Reporter. 58 (19). Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  5. Paz, Selenia (May 2022). "REYES, Sonora. The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School". School Library Journal. 88 (7). Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  6. Spisak, April (May 2022). "The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes (review)". Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. 75 (9). Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  7. "The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School". National Book Foundation. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
  8. SKUENN (2012-02-27). "Morris Award". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Retrieved 2023-05-01.
  9. JDUBIN (2021-03-24). "Pura Belpré Award". Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). Retrieved 2023-05-01.
  10. Community (2023-03-15). "2023 Lambda Award Shortlist Finalists Announced". BOOK RIOT. Retrieved 2023-05-06.
  11. Community (2023-03-15). "2023 Lambda Award Shortlist Finalists Announced". BOOK RIOT. Retrieved 2023-05-06.
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