Pride Series by Jay Bell

What’s it like being a teenager in the 90s? Let’s ask the characters of Pride High:Anthony Cullen: My life would be perfect, if I wasn’t in the closet. And in love with my straight best friend. Do you think he’ll ever notice me?Omar Jafari: Dude! I’m flunking out of most of my classes, but you know what really matters? A girl talked to me. And she’s like… insanely pretty!Silvia Diaz: Listen, my parents are undocumented, so I don’t have time to worry about boys. Or girls. Or which I like more... moreWhat’s it like being a teenager in the 90s? Let’s ask the characters of Pride High:Anthony Cullen: My life would be perfect, if I wasn’t in the closet. And in love with my straight best friend. Do you think he’ll ever notice me?Omar Jafari: Dude! I’m flunking out of most of my classes, but you know what really matters? A girl talked to me. And she’s like… insanely pretty!Silvia Diaz: Listen, my parents are undocumented, so I don’t have time to worry about boys. Or girls. Or which I like more. Wait, this isn’t going to be published, is it?Mindy Beaumont: Please tell me you’re going to publish this! I feel like I’m invisible. I’ve never even kissed a boy. Ugh!Cameron Huxley: I’m ready to meet my soul mate. Whoever he is. And when we find each other, we’re going to come out and show the world what true love looks like!Ricky Nishikawa: I’m starting freshman year in a new town. If that wasn’t bad enough, I keep getting picked on by a bully. And he’s really really hot.Pride High: Book 1 kicks off a new series that mixes cool characters, realistic relationships, mature themes, and plenty of fun. less

Junior year kicks off at Pride High, ushering in hotter romance and higher stakes.Ricky returns from a summer of exile, only to realize how difficult it will be to win Diego’s heart again. Anthony discovers the joy of wearing makeup, making him an even bigger target at school as he continues to challenge gender stereotypes. Cameron, desperate to protect his boyfriend, runs for student council president to prevent a narcissistic jerk from winning... moreJunior year kicks off at Pride High, ushering in hotter romance and higher stakes.Ricky returns from a summer of exile, only to realize how difficult it will be to win Diego’s heart again. Anthony discovers the joy of wearing makeup, making him an even bigger target at school as he continues to challenge gender stereotypes. Cameron, desperate to protect his boyfriend, runs for student council president to prevent a narcissistic jerk from winning. Keisha tries to unravel the mystery of a twin sister who flirts often but reveals little. Omar has a new girlfriend, Mindy has a chance to win the man of her dreams, and Silvia keeps smoking pot to forget about the one who got away.Dangerous feuds, break-ups, and unrequited feelings… The problems are bigger than ever but so are the potential rewards as a ragtag group of LGBT teenagers pursue love and self-acceptance. less

Nobody said that growing up would be easy! After the brutal attack on Anthony, his friends gather around him protectively, but he’s more interested in exploring his newly discovered self. Cameron struggles with anger and a broken home, finding an unexpected ally in Diego… and an unwilling rival in Omar. Keisha feels the strain of dating the enemy, Mindy is determined to land her first boyfriend, and Ricky wants more romance from his man... moreNobody said that growing up would be easy! After the brutal attack on Anthony, his friends gather around him protectively, but he’s more interested in exploring his newly discovered self. Cameron struggles with anger and a broken home, finding an unexpected ally in Diego… and an unwilling rival in Omar. Keisha feels the strain of dating the enemy, Mindy is determined to land her first boyfriend, and Ricky wants more romance from his man. All is fair in love and war, but can you truly have one without the other?Chaos and drama ensue for the LGBT students of Pride High as junior year culminates in a high-stakes standoff that will change their lives forever. less

Welcome back to Pride High, where the delicious drama continues! Ricky tries to sort through his feelings for Diego—the hot guy who has been bullying him—and ends up in the middle of a feud. Anthony and Cameron, now a couple, have to navigate first times and coming out. Silvia finds herself questioning her feelings for Omar when someone else catches her eye… and it’s a girl. Mindy finally gets to go on a date with a boy who isn’t gay... moreWelcome back to Pride High, where the delicious drama continues! Ricky tries to sort through his feelings for Diego—the hot guy who has been bullying him—and ends up in the middle of a feud. Anthony and Cameron, now a couple, have to navigate first times and coming out. Silvia finds herself questioning her feelings for Omar when someone else catches her eye… and it’s a girl. Mindy finally gets to go on a date with a boy who isn’t gay. Love is in the air, but so are the holidays, pressure from parents, drunken parties, and way too many well-meaning lies. It’s going to be an interesting year!Jay Bell successfully mixes playful banter, memorable characters, and mature issues in the continuing Pride series, as a group of queer teenagers try to figure out who they are and who they love.The Pride series is intended for mature teenagers and nostalgic adults who enjoy sex-positive stories, realistic relationships, and gorgeous guys. less

Another year is winding down for the students of Pride High, but the drama is just ramping up!Ricky is finally dating dangerous Diego Gomez, but when they keep getting into trouble, he wonders if he’s bitten off more than he can chew. Anthony has decided to come out to his school in a big way and faces backlash, not just from his fellow students, but the principal as well. Cameron’s mom is still drinking and his dad remains absent... moreAnother year is winding down for the students of Pride High, but the drama is just ramping up!Ricky is finally dating dangerous Diego Gomez, but when they keep getting into trouble, he wonders if he’s bitten off more than he can chew. Anthony has decided to come out to his school in a big way and faces backlash, not just from his fellow students, but the principal as well. Cameron’s mom is still drinking and his dad remains absent. Can he turn to his boyfriend for support? Mindy has the hots for a guy who is most certainly taken, a predicament that intensifies when they're paired for a project. Silvia’s secrets are catching up with her, Keisha struggles to set aside her feelings for a girl she can’t have, and Omar’s dreams are about to crash and burn.Join the endearing cast of Pride High as they navigate relationships and romance while aiming for that coveted teenage summer break. less