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Bad Queer

'A poignant, thoughtful YA verse novel about navigating identity and the joys and pains of first love.' - The Guardian
By Gayathiri Kamalakanthan
0.0 (0 reviews)
Brief Description
I feel invincible.Like I could run and runand never stop for breath. I feel a power in meI didn't know I had. The power to speak,to say what I need. Surya knows exactly who they are. Coming out as non-binary to their queer parents and best... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
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A luminous and romantic debut verse-novel navigating first love as a non-binary teenager.

A luminous and romantic debut verse-novel navigating first love as a non-binary teenager.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

I feel invincible.
Like I could run and run
and never stop for breath.

I feel a power in me
I didn't know I had.

The power to speak,
to say what I need.

Surya knows exactly who they are. Coming out as non-binary to their queer parents and best friend? A total non-event. Catching feelings for Blessing—the boy in drama club whose smile makes their heart race? That's trickier.

As their final year of school unfolds and the two of them grow closer, Surya starts to question: Does Blessing really see them? Or just a version of them that doesn't exist? They'd ask their best friend for advice, but she's busy falling in love too...

With gorgeous illustrations throughout, Bad Queer draws us deeply into queer friendship, family secrets, and the necessary act of loving yourself. Perfect for fans of Alice Oseman, Dean Atta and Sarah Crossan.

This is a love letter to queer futures—tender, curious, and fiercely alive.

'Fiercely compassionate storytelling.' Sonido Reyes, award-winning and bestselling author of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

'Pure trans teenhood—punchy, clumsy and raw.' Sabah Choudrey, activist, speaker and author of Supporting Trans People of Colour

'Truthful, intimate and powerful.' Laura Dockrill, award-winning author of I Love you, I Love you, I Love You

'Beautifully written verse novel about first love, acceptance and identity.' Abiola Bello, bestselling author of The Love Dare

'Sensual, present and protective. I feel like I made a friend.' Steven Camden, CLiPPA poetry awarding author of Everything All at Once

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571390663

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 March 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: Children, Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 432

Collections

Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Fiction Gayathiri Kamalakanthan Young Adult Young Adult Romance

About the Author

Gayathiri Kamalakanthan is a Tamil writer and producer. They are a recipient of the Disabled Poets Prize, the FAB Publisher's Prize and the RSL Literature Matters Award. Their play Period Parrrty opened at Soho Theatre in October 2025.

Chi Nwosu is a Black, non-binary, queer, Nigerian artist based in Chicago. Their work is an alchemy of cultural narratives that centres marginalised experiences and utilises potent cultural, political, and spiritual symbols.

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