All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages

All Out is a young adult anthology featuring 17 short stories about LGBTQ+ teens throughout history, from the 1200s to the 1990s. The collection includes works from established YA authors who reimagine queer narratives across different time periods and locations. The stories span multiple genres including historical fiction, romance, and magical realism. Settings range from a 14th century Chinese monastery to 1970s Mexico to Renaissance Italy, featuring protagonists from diverse backgrounds and identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The anthology fills gaps in traditional historical narratives by centering queer youth experiences and perspectives. Through both realistic and fantastical tales, it explores universal themes of self-discovery, first love, and finding one's place in the world.

Readers appreciate the diverse representation across different time periods and cultures, with many noting the anthology gives voice to LGBTQ+ stories often missing from historical fiction. Several reviews mention the quality varies between stories, with some standing out for their emotional depth while others feel rushed or underdeveloped. Liked: - Range of genres from fantasy to realistic fiction - Inclusion of multiple orientations and gender identities - Historical settings beyond Western Europe - Stories featuring happy endings Disliked: - Uneven writing quality between stories - Some plots feel incomplete due to length constraints - Several readers found the contemporary language in historical settings jarring - A few stories rely on common YA tropes Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4/5 (20+ ratings) One frequent comment from positive reviews: "Finally seeing queer characters get happy endings in historical settings."

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee A teen nobleman embarks on an 18th-century European tour with his best friend and secret love interest while navigating societal expectations and adventure.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo Two teenage girls discover their identities and first love in 1950s San Francisco's Chinatown against the backdrop of the Red Scare.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth A Montana teenager moves in with her conservative aunt after her parents' death and faces conversion therapy when her relationship with another girl comes to light.

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo A transgender teen starts fresh at a new school in Tennessee and finds romance while protecting her past.

We Are Lost and Found by Helene Dunbar Three friends navigate first loves, identity, and fear during the emergence of the AIDS crisis in 1983 New York City.

🌈 All Out is a groundbreaking anthology featuring 17 different authors, each contributing historical fiction stories about LGBTQ+ teens across different time periods and cultures. 📚 Editor Saundra Mitchell has written and published over 20 books, including the young adult novel Shadowed Summer, which was nominated for the Edgar Award. ⚜️ The anthology spans from 14th century China to 1970s Mexico City, challenging the misconception that LGBTQ+ people only emerged in modern times. 🎭 Several stories in the collection feature real historical events as backdrops, including the 1969 Stonewall Riots and the 1920s Harlem Renaissance. 💫 The book's success led to a companion anthology titled Out Now: Queer We Go Again!, featuring contemporary LGBTQ+ stories by many of the same authors.