Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, endearing, queer positive teen in search of answers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
LET THEM STARE is the story of Sully, who just graduated high-school in a small Pennsylvania town. Sully's known all their life that Hearst, PA has no place for gender nonconformity, and is eager to burst onto the vibrant influencer scene in New York City. When their internship is unexpectedly cancelled, Sully's going to have to come up with a Plan B to get out of Hearst. Finding a valuable vintage bag in a thrift shop is a promising stroke of luck for getting the money they needs. Except that the bag has a ghost living in it. Rufus the ghost promises to vacate the bag so Sully can sell it if Sully helps Rufus recover his memories. But in order to do that, Sully's going to have to work with their nemesis and dreamboat, and the only other person in town who's out, Brad.
Is It Any Good?
This is a lively, funny, and touching story that's full of queer positivity. Let Them Stare takes on what it means to accept a situation, in this case, accepting, finding or making a space to be who you are. Rufus the ghost's past and Sully's present are woven neatly together to put both in context. Lots of good humor and intriguing discoveries keep the pages turning. Not to mention the real star of the show, the Butler bag. Teens of any identity will relate to Sully's search for a place to be themself while still not knowing what life has in store.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Let Them Stare shows what life was like for queer people in the 1950s. Did you know much about that before you read this book? What surprised you the most?
How do Sully and Rufus come to feel gratitude for what they had after so many years of feeling repressed and outcast? What part does the empathy Sully feels for Rufus play?
What makes Sully, Brad, and Rufus a good team? What does each of them bring that helps them find answers?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Friendship , History , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Gratitude , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Storytide
- Publication date : May 20, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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