The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

March 1, 2022
Yamilet is a gay, Mexican American 16-year-old who's about to start Catholic school. She tells herself it has more to do with being there for Cesar, her genius brother one year her junior who skipped a grade and earned a scholarship, but there's more to it. She's also glad to start over away from ex-best friend Bianca, who outed her to their social circle. It's not easy for Yami to lose someone she trusted as much as Bianca, especially when she feels alone and is still nursing the heartbreak of her dad's being deported to Mexico 6 years ago. She loves her busy, hardworking, very Catholic mom, but that doesn't mean Mami would accept her sexuality if she knew the truth. In her new, wealthy, and mostly White school, Yami immediately faces casual racism, but it's not all bad. She also meets Bo, a Chinese American girl who has chosen the school uniform's trousers over skirts--paired with rainbow Vans, no less--and they immediately get along. Yami likes how outspoken and confident Bo is, but she's also intimidated by her new friend's being an out lesbian. As their friendship blossoms into more, so do the problems with keeping who she is a secret from the world. The portrayal of found family and the threads of love and acceptance woven into this story make it a satisfying read with a hopeful ending. A textured and gratifying novel. (author's note) (Fiction. 13-18)

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April 11, 2022
Transferring to a new school should mean a fresh start for 16-year-old Mexican American lesbian Yamilet Flores, one that she desperately needs after being outed at her old school by her crush and ex-best-friend. Luckily, her mother didn’t find out, and since no one at her new school knows she’s queer, Yami plans to keep it that way. But Slayton Catholic presents new problems: her mother expects Yami to watch over her younger brother Cesar, who is navigating depression; the student body is overwhelmingly white; and it’s difficult to keep her re-closeted mouth shut around the homophobia that’s seemingly baked into the curriculum. Slayton’s only bright spot is outspoken Chinese American lesbian Bo Taylor, the only openly queer person at school. But if Yami wants to maintain her relationship with her mother, getting to know another lesbian, let alone dating one, isn’t an option. Reyes’s hopeful debut excels in its honest depiction of family dynamics, highlighting Yami’s sense of responsibility for Cesar and her loving but tense relationship with her mother. As the narrative vulnerably tackles difficult subjects such as intolerant religious institutions and living with mental illness, Yami’s sardonic voice adds levity and heart. Ages 13–up. Agent: Alexandra Levick, Writers House.

April 15, 2022
Grades 9-12 Being a teenager can be an extremely confusing time, especially when having to hide one's true identity. Mexican American Yamilet ("Yami") is a junior at a Catholic high school who is constantly walking on eggshells to keep her life safe. Having just been outed by her childhood best friend (and unrequited love interest), Yami is terrified to let anyone, let alone her young, genius brother (Caesar) and strict mother, into her circle of trust. She soon finds out that there is a price to pay for keeping loved ones and true friends at bay. Debut author Reyes does not shy away from serious issues that teenagers face, approaching them with the utmost respect. Racism, homophobia, deportation, poverty, and suicide are just some of the topics covered within this story. Despite these darker elements, Yami learns to find positivity in her life through her family's and friends' encouragement to just be honest. Readers will applaud both Yami's and Caesar's growth and bravery.

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July 29, 2022

Gr 8 Up-Yamilet Flores and her brother, Cesar, are set to start the school year at Slayton Catholic, both leaving behind unhappy pasts at Rover High. Cesar has a habit of getting into fights at school for reasons Yamilet can't figure out, and Yamilet is struggling with a betrayal by ex-best friend Bianca, who revealed to others Yamilet is gay. Hoping to avoid a similar situation at Slayton, Yamilet pretends to be straight as she navigates the school. Soon she falls in with a good group of friends that includes Bo, a Chinese American girl who is kind, intelligent, confident, and out. Working hard to make money in case she is kicked out of home when her truth is revealed, Yami doesn't always pay attention to what's happening with Cesar. Yamilet is refreshing and genuine, starting off as someone who does not always stand up for herself and evolving into someone fiercely protective of her family, her friends, and herself. Yami and Cesar, who both struggle with a sense of shame, deal with their feelings differently while also providing each other with love and support. Yami glows with pride for her Mexican and Indigenous ancestry, and although she stands out in Slayton, where most of the student body is white, she finds support from many kind and considerate classmates. Difficult topics, such as suicide, are explored. VERDICT Filled with humor and love, this fast-paced novel will have readers immersed in Yamilet's world, rooting for her and her loved ones all the way.-Selenia Paz

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