Rafe came out in middle school in Colorado. His classmates were okay with it and his parents were beyond supportive. He began working as an advocate for gay teens, giving speeches and presentations, and ended up feeling like a poster child for being gay. It's part of what led to his decision to transfer to a boy's boarding school in New England in his junior year of high school and assume a new identity as a straight kid. His best friend back home is furious that he would betray himself. His parents are confused and hurt. But from Rafe's perspective, he's not ashamed of his identity, he's just tired of being labeled and defined by it. And indeed, from his first day at his new school, everything is different. He's embraced by the jocks, and doesn't feel like he's living a lie until he falls in love with his new friend Ben. An athlete who doesn't tolerate homophobic comments, Ben is sensitive and honest, and vulnerable after his roommate's struggle with depression. As Rafe grows closer to Ben, he begins to realize Ben can't help but feel he's been lied to once he learns the truth. Humor and emotional honestly are deftly balanced in this probing, truly funny novel about coming out-again. (Age 14 and older)

A funny, honest novel about being out, being proud... and being ready for something else.

The award-winning novel about being out, being proud, and being ready for something else. Pre-order the companion novel Honestly Ben now (out 3/28/17)!Rafe is a normal teenager from Boulder, Colorado. He plays soccer. He's won skiing prizes. He likes to write.And, oh yeah, he's gay. He's been out since 8th grade, and he isn't teased, and he goes to other high schools and talks about tolerance and stuff. And while that's important, all Rafe really wants is to just be a regular guy. Not that GAY guy. To have it be a part of who he is, but not the headline, every single time.So when he transfers to an all-boys' boarding school in New England, he decides to keep his sexuality a secret -- not so much going back in the closet as starting over with a clean slate. But then he sees a classmate breaking down. He meets a teacher who challenges him to write his story. And most of all, he falls in love with Ben... who doesn't even know that love is possible.