The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

Sixteen-year-old Yamilet Flores, a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, is adjusting to her new, predominantly white Catholic school and reeling from being outed as a lesbian within her social circle. As she struggles to keep her sexuality a secret from her classmates and religious mother, she bonds with a classmate, Bo, who is out and proud.^[1][2]

The book speaks to the theme of "found family", as well as self-acceptance, and the relationship between queerness and religion.^[1] Yamilet is frustrated that she has to hide her sexuality at school and from her mother for fear of rejection.^[3]

Sonora Reyes drew on their experience growing up as a closeted queer Catholic school student to inform the book's content.^[4]

Selenia Paz reviewed the book in the School Library Journal as "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."^[5] The book was described positively in Kirkus Reviews: "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."^[1] April Spisak praised the authors' portrayal of both difficult and joyful elements in the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: "the ultimate tone is a celebratory one, highlighting the mom who loves her kids ferociously and the alternative prom held after same-sex couples are forbidden at school events."^[6] The Lesbian Review concluded that those "in the mood to devour an engrossing, poignant and uplifting young adult novel [need] look no further because this story is filled with so much hope and love."^[7]

The Chicago Public Library included The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School on their list of the best young adult novels of 2022.^[8] The following year, it was included on Young Adult Library Services Association's list of Teens' Top Ten.^[9]