Openly Straight

Reach for this book when your teenager expresses a desire to be seen as more than just a label, or when they feel the exhaustion of being a pioneer for their identity. While Rafe is comfortably out as gay, he moves to a new school to try being just Rafe, the athlete and writer, rather than the gay kid. This nuanced story explores the difference between hiding who you are and choosing which parts of yourself to share. It is a sophisticated look at honesty, friendship, and the labels we apply to ourselves and others, making it a perfect choice for mature teens navigating the complexities of social perception and self-discovery in high school.