Published: 2022
Series: N/A
Author: Sonora Reyes
Illustrator: N/A
Genres: Romance, Young Adult, LGBT, Queer, Lesbian, Contemporary, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Gay
Audience (Grade Levels): 9-10, 11-12, High School
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Goodreads Link: The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School
Triggers: Mention of suicide/suicidal ideation, racism, homophobia, drinking/drug use, strong language
Review By: Stephanie Kenific
Publisher’s Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Yamilet Flores prefers to be known for her killer eyeliner, not for being one of the only Mexican kids at her new, mostly white, very rich Catholic school. But at least here no one knows she’s gay, and Yami intends to keep it that way.
After being outed by her crush and ex-best friend before transferring to Slayton Catholic, Yami has new priorities: keep her brother out of trouble, make her mom proud, and, most importantly, don’t fall in love. Granted, she’s never been great at any of those things, but that’s a problem for Future Yami.
The thing is, it’s hard to fake being straight when Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, is so annoyingly perfect. And smart. And talented. And cute. So cute. Either way, Yami isn’t going to make the same mistake again. If word got back to her mom, she could face a lot worse than rejection. So she’ll have to start asking, WWSGD: What would a straight girl do?
Review:
I did not expect to adore this book so much because I feel like I have read a bunch of books this past year about young people attending Catholic schools and rebelling against the conservative and heteronormative values of those institutions. What really drives this novel, though, is not this trope but the incredibly loveable characters. Yamilet and her brother Cesar are two charming young people who are trying to come to terms with their respective queer identities, the pressures of having to “come out” in order to pursue a dating life, and the looming threat of potentially unsupportive parents.
The friends that Yamilet and Cesar make in their new school are unexpectedly wonderful, demonstrating that Catholic schools have a range of students and are not homogenous. In fact, some of Yamilet’s closest friends are the outcasts: openly gay people, other people of color, and those who simply don’t buy into the Catholic ideology without question. As a former Catholic school teacher myself, this feels very realistic.
The novel strays into heavy subject matter as Cesar grapples with suicidal ideation, but the topic is given the weight it deserves and is handled with complexity and tenderness. It’s safe to say that the characters will stay with me for quite some time.
Sonora Reyes writes with a sharp, witty, and deeply authentic narrative voice that perfectly captures the anxiety of keeping secrets from those you love most. The book’s pacing is exceptionally well-managed, balancing a sweet, slow-burn romance with high-stakes family drama. Rather than focusing purely on trauma, Reyes infuses the text with humor and immense warmth, creating a narrative that is both an eye-opening reality check and a comforting embrace for readers. I highly recommend this debut novel to high school librarians, guidance counselors, and educators seeking a high-quality, contemporary realistic fiction piece that will resonate profoundly with modern teenagers.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The book serves as a vital tool for discussing identity formation, the psychological weight of hiding one’s true self, family dynamics, and mental health. Cesar’s experience with suicidal ideation provides an opening for essential, structured discussions regarding support systems and emotional health.
- English Language Arts (ELA): Ideal for upper high school classes exploring contemporary voice, subverting literary tropes, and examining how dialogue and internal monologue drive character development in realistic fiction.
- Extension Activity / Library Application: This title would be a phenomenal selection for a high school community book club, GSA (Genders & Sexualities Alliance) reading circle, or independent reading program. In a library setting, an excellent extension activity would be hosting a “Zine Making” or creative writing session focused on the theme of self-acceptance and expression, allowing students to map out personal philosophies, similar to Yami’s internal compass throughout the text.
- Diversity & Representation: The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School provides much-needed intersectional own-voices representation by centering a queer, Mexican-American protagonist. It masterfully addresses the specific cultural and religious dynamics that BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth navigate. Additionally, by featuring an array of diverse background characters—including other students of color and openly gay teens—it highlights that marginalized populations are not monoliths and can find deep, affirming solidarity with one another.
Readalikes:
- Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
- You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
- The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar by Sonora Reyes
