Dickens & Rumi
Cover of WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON

book

WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON

John Green and David Levithan

Two boys with the same name join forces in a reality possible only in musical theater.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Teen-focused fiction includes frank LGBTQIA+ themes, dating and sexual references, emotional distress, bullying, and mature relationship issues, though explicit sexual content is limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Show Wikipedia summary

Open to load a short Wikipedia summary.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters5/5
  • Romance4/5
  • Strong language3/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Themes of emotional struggle and potential despair; no central character deaths.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Includes moderate profanity typical of contemporary YA fiction.

LGBTQIA characters5/5
Why this rating?

A primary theme of the book involves gay characters and relationships.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Romance is a central plot device, including crushes and relationship struggles.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Not a scary book; focuses on interpersonal drama.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

References to sexual experiences, orientation, and situations typical of high school.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental references to drinking or social activities involving teens.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Minor physical altercations or emotional intensity, but not significant violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show courage by being vulnerable, confronting prejudice and deception, and accepting identities that may attract judgment.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Tiny’s autobiographical musical and the novel’s alternating voices strongly emphasize artistic expression and imaginative self-understanding.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Features diverse representation in terms of sexual orientation and personality types.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers social-emotional insight into identity, relationships, bullying, and LGBTQIA+ experiences, rather than formal instruction.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Care, loyalty, emotional support, and friendship are important, although characters sometimes act thoughtlessly or cruelly.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It encourages honesty, empathy, self-acceptance, friendship, and seeing people beyond assumptions or social labels.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters make selfish or hurtful choices but grow through accountability, vulnerability, friendship, and greater empathy.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Whose perspective did the story help you understand better?
  2. How are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereWILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON
Diamonds are ForeverIan Fleming · 1956Ages 16+Doctor NoIan Fleming · 1958Ages 16+From Russia, with loveIan Fleming · 1957Ages 16+The Violet Fairy Book (Large Print)Andrew Lang · 1901Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating