I’m a newcomer to drag, having only so far watched the UK season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race (which Divina de Campo should’ve won btw), but I am absolutely here for this lovely little book about how to pick yourself up when your dreams are crushed. I’m also now slightly concerned that I am using phrases that are too young for me and that I sound like a grandma – but that’s a conversation for another day…

Boy Queen is George Lester’s first novel and, while I can’t claim to know George, I know OF him from my visits to YALC and so was excited to read this book, and I loved it!

Sadly for me, I’m now in the age bracket of the mum in this book, but I continue to be impressed at the confidence with which YA authors address difficult subjects, and reach out to let readers know that they are not alone in dealing with the difficult things in their lives. When I was in the YA age bracket, we only had Judy Blume to turn to, and there was nothing in her books to indicate that it was ok for a young, gay man to do drag!

I feel like as I get older, what I want from my books is good things happening to good people and in this book that is certainly the case. Robin goes through the wringer as his last hope of a stage school place is dashed and he does, at times descend into the selfish, but he has a brilliant group of friends around him to call him out on his behaviour and a protective, yet supportive mum to lead the cheering section.

Although parts of Robin’s story are not all sweetness and light, his progression from his darkest times to the triumphant finale of the book is just the type of life-affirming stuff we need to all be reading right now.

Having finished this book at a rate of knots, I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Boy Queen is published by Macmillan Children’s Books and is due for publication on 6th August. You can preorder from Amazon, or from your favourite retailer.

To find out more about George Lester, you can check out Twitter, or Instagram…

PS – don’t forget to preorder!

Boy Queen is a fun but very meaningful debut from George Lester that explores the LTBTQ community through the eyes of a gay teen. It's relatable, relevant, often funny and a novel that truly explores discovering who you are.

Fun, camp, and full of self expression 'Boy Queen' was a delightful read. I loved the supportive cast of characters and the emphasis on living out loud and finding the thing that makes you shine. The romance plot lines were my favourite elements of the story, that made my heart flutter but didn't shy away from exposing the issues of being LGBT+ in a close minded community. A must-read for any fans of Drag Race and drag culture!

Boy Queen is a young adult novel about a boy from Essex whose life was falling apart until he tried drag himself. Robin is nearly eighteen and recently rejected from the drama schools he applied to, whilst his friends ready themselves to leave for University once school ends. A night out at the only local gay bar whilst a drag show is on opens Robin's eyes to the idea that might be something for him to do, not just watch, but it's not easy to balance with the rest of his life.

This is a fun novel that uses a lot of classic tropes (mysterious new kid, quirky mum, secret relationship that doesn't work out) to tell a coming of age story about getting into drag. It's exciting to read fresh YA LGBT fiction set in the UK, and that setting is important for representing realities for UK teens like turning 18 and suddenly being able to go to clubs, and the difficulty of managing friends going off to uni and the pressure to make plans. The book is full of flawed teenagers working out growing up and has a message about not needing to be perfect, but finding what path suits you or what you can do. The supporting characters, particularly Robin's best friends, are interesting and it's sad you don't see more of Natalie and Greg, as there were a lot of hints of complexity in their lives that aren't really explored because Robin becomes very focused on his own life.

Boy Queen is a light hearted book that tells a sweet story of trying out something and proving his talent to himself, but also doesn't sensationalise some of the realities of being a gay teenager too. Robin has a lot of support and hopefully the novel will show readers that support and meaning can come from different places, and that your friends can be there for you even when they don't share the exact same passions.

Boy Queen is a how to manual for finding your identity and becoming the best person you can possibly be. Easy to read and enjoyable. Perfect for fans needing a RuPaul fix - yas queen!!

A really fresh and funny debut, this was like a hug from a friend who also loves RuPaul, Lady Gaga and oh-so-cute bad boys. I inhaled this book and will be recommending it to everybody. Definitely one of my favourite reads of 2020 so far.

When reading YA, I love it when I can picture the exact students that I can't wait to recommend it to. When reading 'Boy Queen' I thought of so many who would find solace and joy from this wonderful book .It's the story of a 17 year old boy living in Essex; he's a triple threat who can sing, dance and act. But after a final rejection from drama school, a night out transforms everything. Having loved drag, courtesy of RuPaul's Drag Race*, for most of his life, he finally gets to attend a drag show - which may just transform his life.

Robin is a superb main character, who I came to care for deeply. He doesn't always get it right, which is true of all us, but it's what he does when this happens that is demonstrative of his good and kind nature. His relationship with his mother is so delightful - their interactions are truly laugh out loud. The ensemble cast that make up Robin's friends and love interests are also wonderfully sketched out - they feel like real people and their dialogue is truly beleviable.

This is a book that will matter to so many young people - I can't wait to advocate it!

*Seasons 1-12 are available on Netflix. Strong recommend if you've not watched already!

With thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Books

Boy Queen by George Lester is a brilliant book that I devoured in one go during lockdown (5 weeks into 12 week 'shielding' This book took a hold of me and didn't let it grip go until the very last page.

There was times I laughed, cried and gasped (and swore at mention of a horrible word) Greg is such a brilliant and vibrant character and I totally ship him with Seth. Loved all the aspects of Drag and wished I had a such a great drag club near me.

I will be telling everyone about this book.

I’ve followed George’s video on writing, book reviews and other stuff for quite a while. Hell, I’ve met him once and twice through book blogging events and he is lovely and fun to chat with. So, when it was announced that he had signed a publishing deal and his first book was coming out this summer, I knew I had to get my hands on it.

So, was thrilled when I managed to get my hands on a physical copy and, because I need to learn to STAY AWAY FROM NETGALLEY (!), an eBook ARC. And, even though I have nearly 300 other books to read (review, bought, gifted, etc), I pushed everything aside and devoured this (self-isolation. What else am I going to do but read all the books that siren call my heart?)

Robin Cooper’s life is falling apart. While his friends are ready to go to uni, all he seems to be getting is rejection letters from most/all drama schools of the UK and Robin’s life seems to be spiralling. Unsure of himself and his talent, he and his best friends take him to a local gay bar on his birthday to cheer him up and, when there, they watch a local drag show. And Robin gets a strong reaction and he should, in the words of RuPaul, Sashay away.

But how can he get to grips with drag performing when he has a secret boyfriend who won’t acknowledge in public, his mother can talk for England, his best friends are planning their futures without him and the new boy at school is making Robin’s heart beat a little faster?

Well, this is a hoot of a read! An unapologetic queer cackle of a read with extra glitter thrown in for good measure!

This feels like such a strong UKYA contemporary debut, tackling the issues of friendship, LGBTQIA+, homophobia bullying while touching on a gentle romance and coming out in your own pace. Am intrigued to see if George writes a sequel or a companion novel to follow one or two of the characters and tackle these issues further.

Now, there is one or two things some readers might not warm to. The first few chapters are a little slower in pace (setting up the story and characters) and some of the characters’s decisions (not one in perfect).

But I devoured this while in lockdown as it’s one of those books where, once I started, I couldn’t stop. Fans of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and RuPaul’s Drag Race is going to love this summery glitter ball of a read.

I really loved this book. It's been so long since I read a proper UKYA contemporary and I've missed them. This was truly a wonderful debut, that's full of entertainment. It was over the top at times and dramatic, just like the protagonist which I adored. I don't think I've read a book focused on drag other than Black Flamingo so that was really refreshing to me. It was essentially Everybody's Talking About Jamie in book format so it was frikkin fantastic. One unexpected element that I loved was the way that this book showed friendships. I'm a sucker for a good friendship story and the friendship element of this story was marvellous. It showed how flawed people can be but also how much a good friendship can help you to grow as a person. I loved this book and I think everyone will love it when it releases in August.

An absolute joy of a book from start to finish. Told George myself that I would kill to be able to send Boy Queen to my younger self - it certainly would have allowed me to release my inner queerness, my inner queen. It is the perfect read for everyone who needs help to find their fierce, true inner self, but might feel bogged down with the world around them. We're always going to need a bit of glitter in the grey, especially with what's happening in the world, and Boy Queen is not just a bit of glitter... it's a whole cannon-full.

See my full review here: https://litlifelondon.wordpress.com/2020/04/13/boy-queen-by-george-lester/

OMG this was amazing! It's the perfect balance of drama, romance and hilarity. I absolutely adored the main trio friendship- so often books portray a trio as someone being left out, but this didn't and it perfectly represented how a strong triple friendship can function!
Also. THE DRAG. I adored all the drag race references (and the queens mocking them) and seriously wish I could watch Dragcellence myself!

Overall the perfect book to lift your spirits (and get the Best campy songs stuck in your head!)

I can't remember the last time I read a book in a day. I started this book as soon as it arrived on my Kindle.
I enjoyed 'Boy Queen' so very much, it was incredible. It was such a Joyous story and I found myself grinning A LOT throughout. Every character was so well developed and added something to the story. I loved Robin's journey and how he blossomed into a drag queen, I also fell in love with Greg and Seth as well, but don't tell my husband. lol.
I think George is a talent and he will do well, and I am going to be telling EVERYONE about this book. I mean, I already have, but no more so that I've read it and loved it so so much.
I felt EVERYTHING in this book, all the emotions, the joy the sadness the pain, it was so evocative and I felt like I was living Robin's journey with him.
Also, his mum is all kinds of wonderful.
GO READ THIS BOOK NOW! It will be so much fun when you do.