A poignant and moving LGBTQ+ story that explores sexuality and masculinity with a touch of
humour by twice Carnegie Medal-winner and bestselling author Patrick Ness. Ant Stevenson has
many questions like when did he stop being a virgin? Are there degrees of virginity? And is it
different for boys? Especially for boys who like boys? Ant tries to figure out the answers to
his questions as he balances his relationships with three very different boys: Charlie who is
both virulently homophobic and yet close friends with Ant Jack whose camp behaviour makes him
the target of Charlie's rage and finally Freddie who just wants Ant to try out for the rugby
team. From the bestselling author of the Chaos Walking trilogy comes a timely and important
story about inclusivity prejudice and friendship. PRAISE FOR DIFFERENT FOR BOYS "
Different For Boys by Patrick Ness explores teen sexuality friendship and romance in this
frank and humorous LGBTQ+ story about Ant who is finding all his relationships increasing
complicated." Books of 2023 BBC Entertainment & Arts "Hormones crackle in this coming-out
story... Broken rules and pushed boundaries abound in this punchy postmodern satire... Not
content with merely writing a moving coming-out story he has also constructed a postmodern
satire of the limitations of the young adult novel...The hormones are crackling and the
dynamics within the group twist and turn as they explore their sexuality. The denouement while
not unexpected is written with freshness and feeling. Ness is perceptive plots beautifully
and writes like a dream." Times " Featuring black 'redactions' of bad language and Bendix's
elegant minimalist illustrations this slim powerful 14+ story of friendship attraction and
internalised homophobia follows Ant Stevenson and his complex relationships with three boys at
school. A quietly unforgettable book from an award winning author." Guardian
