On the surface, Romeo has it all: success on the basketball court, a group of good friends, and the companionship of the beautiful Rosie. Deep down, he knows something is missing: all he feels for Rosie is friendship, and all that he feels for his friends’ intolerance is guilt. Everything changes when he meets the openly gay Julian at a party and finds himself sharing a kiss with him. Despite their obvious attraction, Romeo now feels less sure of himself than ever and leaves without even telling Julian his name.
Romeo For Real is one of the novels from the Real Love collection of young adult novels that focus on realistic teen relationships. The novels feature diverse teen characters in contemporary settings as they experience love, romance, dating, sex, body image, LGBTQ issues, and more.
This was a great book that would be relatable to many young teen boys who are playing sports, hanging out with straight boys, and hiding in the closet confused about the feelings and thoughts that are increasingly pushing to the surface. It reminds me of my struggles and circumstances as a young man.
But through the ups and downs “Romeo For Real” has a happy ending and leaves you with a sense of satisfaction and a promise for a better world. Young boys will enjoy reading this book and I think it could give them strength and hope for a bright future.
Markus Harwood-Jones did a great job relating the trials and tribulations of a teenage gay boy navigating his way through the coming-out process. I highly recommend this book.
Lerner Publishing Group
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