Review by Booklist Review
Jay knows that, statistically, about 20 kids at his small-town high school should be LGBTQ+, but he's the only out person. To combat his dismay, he collects stats and keeps a Gay Agenda of everything he wants to do, starting with simply meeting another gay kid. His opportunities increase when the family moves to Seattle and Jay bonds with new friend Max, who offers to be Jay's official Gay Guide and help him cross items off the agenda. When Jay's meet-cute with Albert, a robot enthusiast and unapologetic dork, blossoms into several swoon-worthy dates, he realizes that the Gay Agenda isn't as easy as he expected and that it's going to take a lot of vulnerable communication with those closest to him to figure out what really matters. Jason June's debut is funny, sex-positive, and filled with a cast of complex, incredibly real characters, and Jay is a flawed protagonist you can't help but root for as he navigates a variety of firsts. A charming, affirming coming-of-age story about friendship, relationships, and chosen family.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--Out gay teen Jay lives in a tiny rural town where he doesn't know any other out LGBTQIA+ kids. As he watches his friends date and celebrate relationship milestones, he can't help but feel like he is missing out on life. When his mother announces that she has earned a promotion and the family will be relocating to the progressive, urban Seattle area, Jay is thrilled to start crossing items off his "gay agenda"--chief among which are his goals of finding a boyfriend and losing his virginity. All seems to be going to plan when he meets sweetly nerdy Albert, experienced Tony, and vibrant, genderqueer Max who signs on to be his "Gay Guide" through relationships. Suddenly Jay's life has endless options, but he soon finds that along come endless complications, and it's tough to celebrate his newfound happiness when his childhood best friend, Lu, has fallen on hard times. Readers will appreciate the positive, affirming setting, where there is virtually no homophobia and many diverse characters, including Albert, who is Asian, while Jay, Max, and Tony are white. Jay is a realistically flawed character who unintentionally harms friends as he throws himself into new relationships, and although his actions often seem self-absorbed, many will relate to the joy he feels to finally be freely himself. VERDICT A sweet celebration of finding love in all its forms. Recommended for fans of Phil Stamper and Leah Johnson.--Catherine Cote, John Champe H.S., Aldie, VA
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Senior year brings an entire list of changes to Jay's life. Jay, a gay 17-year-old, experiences a dramatic shift when his mother's promotion to grocery store district manager transports their family from a small, not-very-diverse town in Eastern Washington to Seattle for his last year in high school. Jay will have to leave his best friend, Lu, but their friendship can survive the distance, right? It also means the chance to cross off items on Jay's Gay Agenda, a list that ranges from finally meeting another gay boy (after being the only one who is out at his school) to, hopefully, going all the way. Things look up when Jay is taken under the wing of exuberant, genderqueer Max, a new Seattle classmate who helps him make moves toward sexy (and fun) Tony and sexy (and endearing) Albert. The story will amuse readers who are looking for a light read, although the characters at times read more like sitcom versions of teenagers than the real things. While the overall tone is more slapstick and humorous, a subplot concerning orphaned Lu's financial problems is handled with sensitivity. The coronavirus is mentioned in a context indicating that the story is set in the near post-pandemic future, after quarantines have ended. Most main characters are implied White; Albert is Chinese American, and secondary characters in Seattle reflect the diversity of the city. Queer, fluffy fun. (Fiction. 13-17) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
