Review By: Anonymous
Published: 2025
Genres: YA Fiction, Contemporary, Queer Fiction, Mental Health
Audience: 10-12, Young Adult
Number of Stars: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Goodreads Link: The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar
Content Warnings: Bipolar disorder, manic episodes, depression, internalized homophobia, and Catholic guilt.
Publisher’s Summary
From bestselling author Sonora Reyes comes a poignant and searingly honest companion novel to the multi-award-winning The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School, following beloved character Cesar Flores as he comes to terms with his sexuality, his new bipolar diagnosis, and more mistakes than he can count.
Seventeen-year-old Cesar Flores is finally ready to win back his ex-boyfriend. Since breaking up with Jamal in a last-ditch effort to stay in the closet, he’s come out to Mami, his sister, Yami, and their friends, taken his meds faithfully, and gotten his therapist’s blessing to reunite with Jamal. Everything would be perfect if it weren’t for The Thoughts—the ones that won’t let all his Catholic guilt and internalizations stay buried where he wants them. The louder they become, the more Cesar is once again convinced that he doesn’t deserve someone like Jamal—or anyone really. Cesar can hide a fair amount of shame behind jokes and his “gifted” reputation, but when a manic episode makes his inner turmoil impossible to hide, he’s faced with a stark choice—burn every bridge he has left or, worse—ask for help. But is the mortifying vulnerability of being loved by the people he’s hurt the most a risk he’s willing to take?
Review
As a school counselor, I found The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar to be a meaningful and relatable read for young teens navigating mental health, identity, and family expectations. The story follows Cesar as he tries to understand his mood swings and emotional intensity while dealing with the pressure to appear “normal.” The plot centers around his journey of recognizing his own patterns and finding support from trusted adults and friends. It does not shy away from the hard parts, but it also highlights hope, resilience, and the importance of self-acceptance.
What I appreciated most was how the book portrays mental health in a way that feels real without being overwhelming. The themes of stigma, self-awareness, and communication are woven into the story naturally. Cesar’s internal struggles are balanced by moments of humor and tenderness, making the story feel authentic for readers. While the character is 17, the emotional journey is one many middle and high schoolers will recognize.
I would recommend this title to school counselors, teachers, and librarians who want a sensitive, youth-friendly resource about bipolar disorder. It would work well in health classes, social-emotional learning units, or small group discussions. Overall, this book feels like a valuable tool for promoting mental health awareness and empathy.
🧠 Understanding Bipolar Disorder in Teens
Sonora Reyes provides a window into the “internalized shame” that often accompanies a Bipolar diagnosis. In the book, Cesar struggles with the shift between depressive lows and the high-energy “manic” states that can feel both powerful and terrifying.
🎒 Counselor’s Corner: SEL Activities
As suggested in the review, this book serves as an excellent springboard for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in a school setting:
- The Support Map: Have students identify their “Inner Circle” (family/friends) and “Outer Circle” (teachers, counselors, coaches) to visualize who they can turn to.
- Reflective Journaling: Prompt students to write about the “masks” they wear at school. How does trying to be a “Golden Boy” or “Perfect Student” prevent people from seeing their true needs?
- Discussion on Vulnerability: Cesar views asking for help as “mortifying.” Discuss the difference between “mortifying vulnerability” and “empowering honesty.”
