Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wry, funny teen seriously explores fluid sexual identity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
IMOGEN, OBVIOUSLY is about an 18-year-old high-school senior who's as straight as they come. But Imogen's sister and several of her closest friends are queer, so being a strong, safe ally to them is very important to her. She's had her share of crushes on guys, but so far hasn't had an actual romance. Then she visits her best friend, Lili, who's away at college. As Imogen gets to know Lili's new group of cool, queer college kids, she feels a growing attraction to a girl named Tessa. It's hard enough for Imogen to be so confused about who she is, but Lili also ropes her into going along with a lie that, if the truth is revealed, could jeopardize everything that Imogen hopes she's building with Tessa.
Is It Any Good?
Veteran author Becky Albertalli takes on a serious exploration of identity, sexual preference, and issues surrounding queerness in this fun story that reads like a big-screen romantic comedy. Imogen, Obviously has a wry, engaging, and believable narrator in Imogen, whom teens will relate to and root for as she tries to understand unexpected changes in herself. They'll also enjoy Imogen's witty, quirky, and colorful friends and family as they explore issues surrounding queerness, identity, coming out, fluidity, honesty, allyship, friendship, and more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Imogen, Obviously explores sexual identity. Why is finding the right label so important to Imogen and other characters? Should it be that important?
How did you feel about the book's strong language? Is it too much? Is it realistic? Is it a big deal?
Author Becky Albertalli has written a lot of books. Have you read any of her other ones? If you have, which ones are your favorites, and how does this one compare? If you haven't, would you like to now?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy , Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzar+Bray
- Publication date : May 2, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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