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The Straight Road to Kylie

(2007, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Nico Medina)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Racy gay-themed read is fun but contrived.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    This book features a gay protagonist who is out to his supportive family and friends.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    The book begins with gay Jonathan having drunken sex with a girl. He also kisses two guys, including his first real boyfriend. He makes out with his pretend girlfriend and challenges her to kiss another girl.

  • Language:

    Some swearing including "bitch" and "f--k."

  • Consumerism:

    Jonathan works at Target. He eats at McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, etc.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Lots of underage drinking at parties.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Straight Road to Kylie

Parents need to know that this book features a gay protagonist who ultimately meets his first boyfriend. Along the way, he has sex with a girl, makes out with a bartender, and dares two girls to kiss. There's also plenty of underage drinking, some swearing, and mentions of chain stores and fast food outlets.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the growing number of books about gay and lesbian teens. Who reads these books? Is it just gay kids, or do you think straight kids feel comfortable reading them, too? Do you think they might be popular with gay adults, who didn't have books like this when they were kids? Do these books present an accurate reality? Do you know kids like Jonathan who are able to be out -- and fairly popular -- at your school?
Tools and tips that can help

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