Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring story of queer teen living with mental illness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE GOLDEN BOY'S GUIDE TO BIPOLAR begins at a New Years Eve Party. Cesar Flores is trying not to think about the possibility of kissing and getting back together with his ex-boyfriend/current best friend, Jamal. They broke up a year ago after the priest at Cesar's Catholic high school told him this would be a penance for being gay and save him from going to hell. The break up sent Cesar spiraling so badly he ended up in a mental hospital and he's now in therapy and on bipolar meds. Or was until he realized he hadn't taken his meds for two days and thought he didn't feel any different. So Cesar takes a "pause" from his medication, tells Jamal they won't be getting back together, and tries to find a girlfriend, which unsurprisingly ends badly. Being off his meds leads to mood swings, paranoia, and behavior reckless enough that he's expelled from school. Cesar's sent to live with his abuela (grandmother) and discovers his weed dealing cousin Moni, has been sent there as well. After suffering a manic episode, he finally starts on the hard road back and confesses to his mother the terrible pressure he's under trying to be the perfect child prodigy. There is a happy ending for Cesar, even has he acknowledges his life won't be easy and he may well hit rock bottom again. But he also knows he's "done pretending to be something I'm not to find my way to heaven."
Is It Any Good?
Fans of Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School will be delighted by this ultimately uplifting and inspiring continuation of Cesar and Yami Flores' story. The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar is about much more than a teen's struggle with mental illness and touches on topics relatable to almost any reader—first love, the loss of a friendship, being bullied, learning to forgive, and becoming brave enough to be your true self, no matter how others may judge you.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage Cesar showed in The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar by rising to the challenge of managing his mental illness and proudly embracing his sexuality. How difficult is it to be honest about who you are when that honesty could make others see you as different or even sinful?
Could you ever forgive and be friends with someone who'd bullied you?
Are teens in your school who are gay or have mental health challenges accepted or do they feel isolated or bullied? How would you feel if one of your closest friends felt they couldn't share this part of their life with you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Faith , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper Collins Publishers
- Publication date : September 16, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 371
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 16, 2025
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