Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg is Munch-Worthy

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

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.

This witty, smart, coming-out-again story will appeal to gay and straight kids alike as they watch Rafe navigate being different, fitting in, and what it means to be himself.

Sexuality is a very complex topic. It used to be, and sadly in some places still is, difficult just at admit to having a "not normal" sexuality. Now, many of us pride ourselves of being open and accepting of people who are different from us. I mean, every girl wants her gay best friend, right?

But, that's not quite right, is it? As I said above, sexuality is a little more complicated than that, and Openly Straight seems like it's going to bring those ideas to the forefront. I, for one, would love to read a story about a gay guy who doesn't want to be defined by only his sexuality. A "coming-out-again" story—you know, I think I'm going to really enjoy this one!

Releases June 1, 2013 from Arthur A. Levine Books.