
Reach for this book if your teenager is navigating the messy complexities of high school social hierarchies, questioning how to be a leader, or feeling the pressure of group identity versus individual truth. It is an ideal choice for parents of teens who enjoy fast-paced humor and are looking for stories that reflect the diverse, sometimes chaotic reality of modern LGBTQ+ youth culture without being purely focused on the trauma of coming out. The story follows Barney, a teen who expects a smooth path to becoming president of his school's LGBTQ+ club, only to find himself embroiled in a cutthroat election that goes viral. While the tone is comedic and high-energy, it touches on serious themes of community infighting, the performative nature of social media, and the importance of standing up against genuine external threats. It offers a hopeful but realistic view of how teenagers can learn from their mistakes and build stronger, more inclusive communities through accountability and mutual support.
Protagonists engage in manipulative behavior during the election.
Includes crushes, kissing, and teen romance drama.
The story depicts instances of targeted online harassment, cyberbullying, and homophobic verbal abuse. There are mentions of past trauma related to parental rejection and a scene involving a protest that becomes physically tense.
A 15 year old who feels the weight of trying to be a perfect representative for their community. This is for the teen who loves the wit of Sex Education or Glee but wants a story that also addresses the difficult reality of how marginalized groups can sometimes turn on one another under pressure.
This is a fast-paced contemporary novel that can generally be read cold. Parents may want to be aware of the frank, teenage appropriate discussions regarding identity labels and the pressures of being an activist. A child expressing anxiety about their digital footprint or feeling ostracized from their own friend group because of a misunderstanding or a mistake made in public.
Younger teens will focus on the humor and the high stakes of the school election. Older readers will better grasp the nuanced critique of performative activism and the complexities of horizontal hostility within social movements.
Unlike many queer YA novels that focus on the internal struggle of coming out, this book explores the external and communal messiness of being out. It is unique for its willingness to show queer characters being flawed, competitive, and even mean, while still fiercely defending their right to exist and lead.
Barney, an awkward and ambitious teen, assumes he will be the next president of his school's LGBTQ+ Society. His plans are derailed when the election is opened to the entire school, sparking a chaotic campaign filled with smear tactics, social media scandals, and internal community politics. As the competition turns toxic, the group must decide whether to tear each other apart or unite against a rising tide of genuine homophobia from the outside world.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review