Common Sense Media Review
Edgy, clever gay-themed tale about teens with same name.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 31 kid reviews
Kids say that this book is a compelling read filled with humor and relatable themes, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ experiences and teenage struggles. While many find it entertaining and appreciate its exploration of real issues, some critiques focus on the heavy use of profanity and mature themes, suggesting that it’s more suitable for older teens due to the explicit language and content.
- humor
- relatable themes
- mature content
- strong characters
- entertaining plot
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Authors :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dutton Children's Books
- Publication date : April 6, 2010
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 304
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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