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Parents' Guide to

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

By Debra Bogart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Edgy, clever gay-themed tale about teens with same name.

Book John Green , David Levithan Coming of Age 2010
Will Grayson, Will Grayson Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 15+

Based on 10 parent reviews

KingOfFlames
KingOfFlames Adult
January 17, 2020
age 13+

MY NAME IS NOT WILL GRAYSON, BUT I HELLA LOVE THIS BOOK

this book is great for teens, has great characters and an amazing plot. this book can make you feel anything from joy to sadness to anger, it definitely takes #1 place on my list of favorite books. go here and sign the petition to make it a movie: http://chng.it/G7BFSW8m
Mac Rondo
Mac Rondo Adult
January 12, 2019
age 15+

SATISFACTION

This book was the first one to ever give me satisfaction, because I have read a lot of books with plot twists and cliff hangers and its kind of annoying. I have never founded a book that could satisfy me that is why I gave up reading, after however I was tempted to read this book, I never regretted it. FUNNY, SIMPLE, and DECENT makes me feel satisfied with my life after reading this book, still sourcing for more books like these and hoping I could find more books that could extend my satisfaction (I may like typically contemporary styled stories with the plot twists and cliff hangers and all, but because its beginning to be too cliché in the modern world, its beginning to eat my brain so yep it is also one of the reasons why I admire the creation of this book so much) :-)
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON has a fun premise: Two narrators, each named WIll Grayson, tell their stories in alternating chapters. Will Grayson No. 1 is a straight, moody teen who's best friends with a large -- and larger than life -- out-and-proud teen named Tiny Cooper. Will Grayson No. 2 is an even moodier, lonely gay teen who first crosses paths with Will No. 1 in a porn store. From there, both Wills orbit around Planet Tiny. Meanwhile, heartbroken Tiny uses his pain to write, direct, and star in a fabulous high school musical titled Tiny Dancer, which wows everyone. But he's not the only one who makes a successful journey: Both Wills also find themselves, with a whole lot of help from their friends.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10 ):
Kids say (30 ):

This book offers lots of humor, lots of music, and fantastic over-the-top moments that we all can only wish would happen in real life. Some of the story is related in IMs and texts, which adds realism and energy. This is the first gay-themed book to wind up on The New York Times children's best seller list, and it's easy to see why.

Readers will certainly get caught up in the book's fun premise -- and even find themselves moved by this clever collaboration about coming-of-age in a gay-friendly big city. Tiny Cooper is a great character; his heart of gold -- and his amazing performance -- are truly unforgettable. Plus, who doesn't love a happy ending? Even if it's not exactly believable...

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the book's portrayals of gay characters. How do character depictions like those in Will Grayson, Will Grayson impact teen readers -- both gay and straight?

  • What do you think is the significance of the fact that this was the first gay-themed YA novel to wind up on The New York Times best-seller list?

  • The second Will is misled by his online love interest. He was convinced it was for real. How can you make sure someone you meet online is who you think they are?

Book Details

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