Cameron is twelve when her parents die in a car accident, and she is distraught... because she is relieved that her parents will never find out that she had been kissing her best female friend. However, the death of her parents leaves her in the custody of her Born Again aunt and old-fashioned grandmother, a situation that Cameron struggles with as we follow her through age seventeen. The boiling point is reached, though, when beautiful, perfect cowgirl Coley moves to town.
Even if you normally avoid books with religious themes and troubles, I would encourage you to give Cameron Post a try. It is honest to everyone involved and gave me a new perspective on family members who try to "fix" their LGBTQ loved ones. I loved getting to know Cameron, and her acceptance of herself is refreshing.
This is Emily M. Danforth's first novel, but WOW does it not feel like it. You can really feel the setting in this book, taste the dust and suffer the heat in the opening summer scenes. It is long for a YA novel, clocking in at 470 pages, but I promise it is worth it. Take it slow, immerse yourself in the setting, and learn to love the characters. If you're looking for an easy lesbian romance, this is not it, but if you want a thoroughly satisfying lesbian coming-of-age story, don't hesitate to meet Cameron Post.
Other YA fiction with lesbian characters:
Down to the Bone by Mayra Lazara Dole
Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Kissing Kate by Lauren Myracle
Keeping You a Secret by Julie Ann Peters
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