Best of: books for ages 14-18 #9: ‘Boy Meets Boy’ by David Levithan

For those who enjoy romances, this is a must-read book. In some ways typical of the genre, ‘Boy Meets Boy’ is set apart by having gay protagonists. It is also set apart from most stories featuring gay teenagers by being neither a ‘coming out’ story, nor the story of the teenager’s struggles with self-acceptance, or even acceptance from the wider community.

What makes the novel so unusual is that it is set in a sort of ‘gaytopia’. Paul, the protagonist, has known he was gay since he was four. His parents, brother, friends and community all know and accept completely happily the fact that he is gay. In fact, the only non-acceptance in the whole novel comes from the extremely religious community.

‘Boy Meets Boy’ tells the story of Paul and Noah, a boy Paul falls for. It is also the story of a group of friends at high school in America, and their relationships with each other, as well as their romances. Funny and sweet, it’s perfect as a first foray into gay fiction, romance, or even American teen novels.

By the same author: ‘Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist’ and ‘Will Grayson, Will Grayson’, plus many more.