A Monster Calls

Too Bright to See

Rainbow Boys

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S.

How I Discovered Poetry

Getting It

Surprisingly Sarah: Emmie & Friends

The Swap

Friendship, masculinity, sex—Anthony Stevenson has a lot of questions. Is it different for boys who like boys? A poignant and frank story filled with meta-humor by renowned author Patrick Ness.

Anthony “Ant” Stevenson isn’t sure when he stopped being a virgin. Or even if he has. The rules aren’t always very clear when it comes to boys who like boys. In fact, relationships of all kinds feel complicated, even with Ant’s oldest friends. There’s Charlie, who’s both virulently homophobic and in a secret physical relationship with Ant. Then there’s drama kid Jack, who may be gay and has become the target of Charlie’s rage. And, of course, there’s big, beautiful Freddie, who wants Ant to ditch soccer, Charlie’s sport, and try out for the rugby team instead. Ant’s story of loneliness and intimacy, of unexpected support and heart-ripping betrayal, is told forthrightly with tongue-in-cheek black-bar redactions over the language that teenagers would actually use if, you know, they weren’t in a story. Award-winning author Patrick Ness explores teen sexuality, friendship, and romance with a deft hand in this structurally daring, illustrated short novel.

Discover Your Child's Next Read

A Monster Calls

Patrick Ness, 2011

Too Bright to See

Kyle Lukoff, 2021

Rainbow Boys

Alex Sanchez, 2001

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S.

David Levithan, 2021

How I Discovered Poetry

Marilyn Nelson, Hadley Hooper, 2014

Getting It

Alex Sanchez, 2006

Surprisingly Sarah: Emmie & Friends

Terri Libenson, 2023

The Swap

Megan Shull, 2014