An angry gay running around his lil homophobic town hosting secret queer speakeasies?? Yes, obviously I’m going to read that.

This might be a weird comparison, but the book reminded me of the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia episode “Mac Finds His Pride”—except, you know, youth appropriate. In both, people around the main character keep telling them what kind of gay man they’re “supposed” to be—pushing them toward stereotypes, ideals, and safety, all while ignoring who they actually are. Not listening. Not seeing them. The result is surprisingly poignant.

The cast is wonderfully diverse—almost all queer—with the exception of some bullies whose cruelty pushes Zeke into his scheme. The love interest is fat while the main character is described as traditionally attractive, which I don’t see often. It’s not treated as a huge plot point, but the book acknowledges how body image impacts a teen searching for acceptance.

It’s a fast, compulsive read—exactly what I want from YA. A one-sitting escape filled with queer joy, rebellion, and a reminder that Stonewall was a riot.

In "The Rebel's Guide to Pride" Zeke is trying to figure out who he is and how to "be the perfect gay" after years of his homophobic dad forcing him to act like someone he wasn't. While planning a pride event with his friend, the mayor canceled the day and outlawed all LGBTQIA+ activities throughout the town. Zeke decides to throw illegal pride speakeasy parties throughout the whole month and figures himself out along the way.
This was such a fun read, showcasing how important pride events are and supporting LGBTQIA+ communities. This book shows, through Zeke's struggles, that there isn't just one right way to be a gay person. With all of the anti-pride laws in the U.S., such as book bans and drag bans, it's important to stand up against the hatred being thrown everywhere and support LGBTQIA+ rights.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Matthew does it again & will probably do it every single time.

This book is a stellar read filled with high energy, feel good activism, & authenticity. Hubbard successfully wrote another book that captures the beautiful feeling of allyship & community. The characters are well-realized & feel like friends I have in real life. The Rebel’s Guide To Pride is rich with plot, offering dramatic stakes, found family, & of course….ROMANCE!

A Major thank you to Netgalley, the author, & the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This book is is incredibly timely with the subject matter and the current political climate in this country.

My heart broke over and over for Zeke, every time he doubted himself or other people doubted him. He had so much insecurity and fear bottled up inside, mixed with so much anger at his father and the town.

In the beginning, it didn’t seem like Zeke really had a support system. Yes, he had his mom and the other kids in QSA, but they didn’t always seem to have his back, including his best friend. Thankfully, through his attempts to create a Pride celebration for his town, he found a lot of support.

Zeke is not a perfect character, some of his actions are not entirely smart and he does shut people out, but I think, in a lot of ways, he is a great representation of all of us. We all make huge mistakes and have misunderstandings, and we all feel insecure at times.

I liked most of the side characters, especially Cohen. I had a few issues with Sawyer and the way she treated Zeke at times. Granted, she didn’t know everything he was dealing with, but she didn’t have a lot of faith in him when he started trying to step up. Mason had some issues as well.

I don’t want to talk about the mayor. He was an irredeemable character and a bigoted homophobe.

Zeke’s dad is a complicated character and I’m not sure how I ultimately feel about him. He is painted in a very unlikeable manner throughout the majority of the story, and I’m not sure if he remains that way or not. There is some character growth, but I don’t think it outweighs everything that came before it.

Now, there are two romances in the story, a main one for Zeke, and a side one for Sawyer. I love the way the romances work out and wish them nothing but the best.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC for review consideration though NetGalley, on behalf of the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Matthew Hubbard’s sophomore novel takes everything you loved about his debut and doubles it— the characterization, the internal debates, the heartwarming story about fighting against those who try to dim your light… this book was absolutely incredible and I can’t wait to see what else he comes up with!

This was a good intro book for pride and advocacy in a story. Definitely shows that maybe there’s not one clear path forward or one fight to win. I liked that. I had a couple of issues with the choices the characters made, but in general I loved them and what they were trying to do.

I’ve been getting some real bangers from NetGalley recently and this was no exception.

I have truly no notes for this fantastic YA romp. It filled me with pride and love and I haven’t been in high school for a minute now 🤣 I think with the current political climate being what it is, this book is just so necessary, and gave me hope I didn’t know I abandoned and missed.

The Rebel's Guide to Pride is a fierce, heartfelt, and deeply relevant story that will resonate with any reader who's ever struggled to find where they belong. Zeke Chapman is a complex, relatable character—newly out, angry, rebellious, and trying to reconcile his identity with the pressure to either fit in or stand out. His journey from reluctant participant to underground Pride leader is both thrilling and moving.

Matthew Hubbard captures the tension many queer teens face: trying to be themselves in a world (and family) that often demands silence. The contrast between Zeke's disapproving father and supportive mother rings heartbreakingly true, and the emotional fallout of being outed by a teammate adds layers of depth to his rebellion.

One of the most powerful themes is how the book challenges the idea of being the "right kind" of queer. Zeke struggles with not being "a good gay," a label thrown at him by his ex and rival Cohen—a character who undergoes a surprising and rewarding arc of his own. Their dynamic is charged, messy, and ultimately redemptive.

The concept of Pride Speakeasies is brilliant—defiant, creative, and empowering. As these secret parties grow into a movement, the book becomes not just a coming-of-age story but a call to action. It addresses real-world issues like the erosion of LGBTQIA+ visibility and support systems in schools, while also giving us characters we can root for, cry with, and cheer on.

This book doesn't shy away from the hard stuff, and that's what makes it so good. Zeke’s story is a riot in the best possible way—raw, rebellious, and proud. Highly recommended for teens and adults alike.

This was a very likable, sadly timely YA novel. I liked the characters in this one. The teenagers acted their age (in a good way) and the relationships (both platonic and romantic) felt realistic. The family relationships were solid/realistic too. Zeke's mom was awesome. I appreciated that the book ended on a hopeful, but not completely happy, note. It felt very true to life.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

From the opening lines, The Rebel’s Guide to Pride is a wild adventure. I want to preface this with you by saying I’m not the target audience, and I think this would definitely appeal to teenagers. As a mid-30s adult, I was stressed by these teenage antics despite my ability to understand why Zeke was acting the way he was.

Hubbard has a unique ability to capture teenage angst, heartbreak, and a generalized feeling of being mad at your parents with ease that felt relatable to the young 16-year-old inside my heart.

I appreciated the way he approached divorce and I especially thought Zeke‘s relationship with his mother felt realistic as a parent, I couldn’t help but think about how even when you do the right thing timing matters.

I loved Zeke's growth from a little rebel to finding his purpose and who he wanted to be. I loved his found family with his friends, the bantery text messages, the complex relationships with his parents, and the way he had to learn to communicate with his friends.

I definitely would go back and read Hubbard‘s other book and look forward to what he comes out with next.

This is a thought-provoking and inspiring queer YA book that's perfect for Pride month. I was so frustrated with the love interest's gatekeeping, but all of the issues are discussed thoroughly and handled beautifully.

First off, all the Doctor Who references gave me life!

This book was filled with so many good things and touched on so much going on in the USA right now. It was truly inspiring and I think it could really help encourage teens (and adults) who feel hopeless right now.

I also enjoyed the little touch of romance. It wasn't the center focus but it rounded out the story well. Also big yay for such a supportive and caring mom.

4.5 stars rounded up

Matthew Hubbard did it again. He wrote a deeply important book that I can tell was written with a lot of heart. This book is extremely important with what is happening in the US right now. Rebel's guide is powerful and beautifully written. It shows readers that we still have a voice no matter how much people try to silence the LGBTQIA+ community. I seriously just loved everything about this book from the writing to the message to the characters, both main and side, and the ending. I highly recommend checking this one out. I also recommend listening to the playlist the author created for the book. It enhances the reading experience.

Content warning: homophobia, emotional abuse, fatphobia

Once again, Matthew Hubbard delivers an impressive work. He excels at taking current issues and presenting them in a way that makes it easy for everyone to grasp the impact of anti-LGBTQIA+ policies. "The Rebel’s Guide to Pride" perfectly blends humor with thought-provoking topics. This novel is particularly timely, given the ongoing events we are witnessing across America. It serves as a reminder that every struggle for visibility has someone being a rebel.

I particularly loved the concept of a speakeasy as a venue for the community to celebrate after the Mayor canceled their pride event. Additionally, Matthew skillfully navigates the complex father-son relationship concerning queerness and expectations. Overall, this was an outstanding novel! I highly recommend it to everyone.

If you’ve ever lived in a small town, chances are you might find this story very relatable. And if you haven’t, never fear, because Matthew Hubbard gives a glimpse into small town life complete with the challenges, struggles, and constructs often found there. He paints a clear picture of the homophobia that can be woven into the very fabric of a community, making it difficult for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to feel like they belong. THE REBEL'S GUIDE TO PRIDE is a sobering reminder that these places and discriminations exist, yet it also serves as a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow. It voices a message celebrating diversity, inclusion, and acceptance that we really need right now.

While the majority of the story centers around Zeke, his friend, and their community’s fight for Pride and justice, it delves deeply into Zeke’s personal life and struggles with identity. It’s also a coming of age classic about letting go of the toxic narrative and expectations someone else set for you to reach deep inside yourself and find your light. The toxic family dynamic really hits hard, particularly with Zeke’s dad.

Matthew Hubbard has a gift for inspiring action and empowering readers through his amazing storytelling. REBELS GUIDE is a book that feels like a vital lifeline to anyone who’s ever felt trapped by circumstances or silenced by societal expectations. If this book doesn’t make you want to stand up and speak out, I recommend reading it again.

As a queer kid who grew up in a small town that was a lot like Briggs (but worse because it was 10+ years ago), this book touched me in ways I wasn't expecting. I came out at 15 in a place surrounded by intolerance and casual homophobia. I didn't have a QSA at my school or a LGBT+ mentorship program like the ones shown in this novel, but I wish I did and I'm glad they exist now and that people, much like Zeke and his friends, continue to fight for them.

With the current politics surrounding LGBT+ livelihoods, this book could not be coming at a better time. It shows that no matter how old you are or where you live, you can always fight back and push through whatever life throws at you. Because at the end of the day, we will still be here and no one can take that away from us.

Loved this book and saw a lot of myself (unfortunately) in Zeke. The way he talked about himself and the anxiety he feels about being perfect and not making any mistakes was a little too relatable.

I also very much enjoyed all of the roaring 20s, Zelda Fitzgerald, and Great Gatsby references! Funnily enough, I just re-read that book for the first time in ten years.

It’s been a difficult few months for Zeke. First, he decided to stop being ashamed of being gay, to stop letting his father dictate how he lived his life, and second, his parents divorced. Because of him, yes, but also because his mother was also tired of having every moment of her life decided for her, rather than being free to make her own choices. Now, she and Zeke live in a small, shabby apartment — a far cry from the home his father owns — and Zeke has been kicked off the baseball team, his grades have taken a nose dive, and he has no idea what to do with himself.

When the mayor cancels the Pride event that the Queer Student Alliance has been working on for so long — the group started by Zeke’s best friend, which he was only brave enough to join recently — Zeke has a target for all of his anger, all of his nervous energy, all of his need to do something to make it clear he’s no longer his father’s son. His efforts, though, only earn him scorn from the QSA members: Cohen, his first crush, his first kiss, and the first boy to ask him to be his boyfriend, only to have Zeke drop him and shut him out; his best friend, Sawyer, who sees Zeke as a screw up; and Kennedy, Cohen’s friend and Sawyer’s girlfriend who has no high opinion of Zeke at all.

But hell if he’ll let anyone take Pride away from him when he only just found it.

Zeke’s father, a successful lawyer who wanted his son to follow in his footsteps and join his firm, is controlling, domineering, and manipulative. When Zeke came out to his parents Zeke’s father instilled in his son a fear of being gay, a fear of what the outside world would to do him if they found out. He expected obedience from his son, and Zeke gave it to him. But ever since his mother stood up for him, and the divorce, Zeke has felt free to be more himself. However, without his father telling him who he is, who he’s supposed to be — and what he can’t be — Zeke is adrift.

Zeke’s smart, used to a life of activities and work, of covering up and finding loopholes because of the way his father raised him, and when the mayor shuts down Pride, Zeke comes up with the idea to keep Pride going anyway. His best friend, Sawyer, though, isn’t thrilled with it. Isn’t thrilled at the success, or the fact that it’s Zeke being heralded as the hero of the day, the clever one who came up with the plan, and she starts to pull away from him, going so far as to bail on events because she wants to both be with her new girlfriend … and to punish Zeke. Cohen, Zeke’s first ex, is an utter asshole to Zeke. Again and again, he calls him a bad gay who only joined the QSA when it was convenient, not when he could actually help. When Zeke wants to help mentor queer children, Cohen tells him he can’t. Cohen, who has been a mentor for years, doesn’t want Zeke to screw it up. He accuses Zeke of being “out and proud because it fits [his] personality.” But Zeke keeps pushing through because he’s angry, angry that Pride is being taken away from him when he just found it, angry that the people who were supposed to understand him look at him like he’s scum, and angry that his father is supporting the Family First movement that wants to remove queer people from celebrating, from having books in the library, and businesses that cater to them.

Zeke’s hard work — both at his underground Pride events and his efforts to be friendly to the people who hate him — pay off. Cohen starts to look at Zeke in a new light, to see him as a person who wants to help, who may not be gay the way Cohen is but is still very much a confused, lonely, and hurting young gay man who needs support. Who needs a friend. Cohen and Zeke’s conversations, the long ones and the quiet ones, begin to build a bridge over the past hurts, and that friendship slowly starts growing into a romance.

Sawyer, though, gives a token apology (with Zeke still trying to take the weight of the guilt by claiming it’s all his fault when, really, it isn’t), which felt more like they were both willing to overlook how much of a bad friend she’d been and focus instead on how Zeke started it. Through the whole book, Sawyer is always down on Zeke, insulting him, letting him know she’s better than he is — that everyone is — because he’s a Zasshole, a user, a flake, and a jerk. And he forgave her, which … I wanted more of an indication that Sawyer was more than just a mean girl and was someone who could actually be a friend.

Another relationship that I didn’t feel was thoroughly addressed is Zeke’s relationship with his father, someone he is very afraid of. While there are confrontations, there’s never any real development of the relationship between them, and the token scene that there is felt obligatory on the part of the story rather than a natural interaction between Zeke and his father. While I understand there isn’t always room in a book for everything, this lack of attention to a character who very much shaped Zeke was notable.

All that said, the writing is good, Zeke is a charming character, and I appreciate that the book ended where it did. This book may be a little too rooted in the real world for someone who wants an escapist romance, dealing as it does with religious fundamentalists stripping away rights from the gay community because of hate and cruelty; there’s no happy ending, no suddenly they all changed their mind moment. It’s simply a hopeful ending, with the idea that the queer community is stronger together than apart, that small efforts can have extraordinary outcomes, and that one person can make a difference.

I enjoyed this book, and hope you give it a try.

Zeke is a newly out teenager, estranged from his controlling father and dealing with it all in rebellious new ways. When the mayor of his small Alabama town doubles down on his anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, Zeke and his friends must find it within themselves and each other to fight back. This is a really enjoyable and though-provoking YA novel. At times, I wanted to shake these teenagers and tell them that a lot of miscommunication could be solved if they just let each other finish their sentences. Overall, this is a book that I will recommend to the teens and the adults in my life. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

ARC REVIEW
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up

Oooof this story hit home for me in a lot of ways! Zeke’s internal battle is something I struggle with as well at times but overall this book is so powerful and very needed in this day and age.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This book comes out May 6th and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

Consider my heart warmed.

This was truly a joy to read. There were times it felt very after school special, maybe even enough to have me rolling my eyes a little, but always with an inescapable fondness. By the end, I couldn't help but smile and even shed a tear or two. This is unfortunately timely and resonated even as an adult who has managed to build a found family and the queer life I once could only dream of. I can't imagine what this would have been to me had I read it as a teen.

This is a YA coming of age romance with a YA coming of age romance formula, yes, but more importantly it's a reminder that there is queer life outside of the big blue cities, that you can always find people who care even in the darkest corners, that no one can legislate away your pride, and that we always have and always will be here.