I Have Something to Tell You—For Young Adults

A Memoir

Chasten Buttigieg

• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Year: 2023
• eBook ISBN:
  9781665904391
• Edition: 0

An instant New York Times bestseller!
"A perfect juxtaposition of ordinary and extraordinary, told with humor, compassion, and unshakeable hope." —Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda The young adult adaptation of the "hopeful" ( Kirkus Reviews ) and refreshingly candid bestselling memoir by the husband of a former Democratic presidential candidate about growing up gay in his small Midwestern town. Completely rewritten with new stories, including resources for readers, parents, and teachers. Growing up, Chasten Glezman Buttigieg didn't always fit in. He felt different from his father and brothers, who loved to hunt and go camping, and out of place in the rural, conservative small town where he lived. Back then, blending in was more important than feeling seen.So, when Chasten realized he was gay, he kept that part of himself hidden away for a long, painful time. With incredible bravery, and the support of his loved ones, Chasten eventually came out—and when he did, he learned that being true to himself was the most rewarding journey of all.Finding acceptance and self-love can seem like a tremendous challenge, but it's never impossible. With honesty, courage, and warmth, Chasten relays his experience of growing up in America and embracing his identity, while inspiring young people across the country to do the same.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Dedication
• A Note on Language in My Story
• Foreword
• Introduction: Everything and Nothing
• Chapter 1: There Are No Sharks in Lake Michigan
• Chapter 2: The Butterfly Effect
• Chapter 3: Playing the Part
• Chapter 4: I Am Not a Cowboy
• Chapter 5: Cafeteria Politics
• Chapter 6: Bowling with the Punches
• Chapter 7: How Do You Say “I Think I’m Gay” in German?
• Chapter 8: Running
• Chapter 9: How to Succeed in Wisconsin without Really Crying
• Chapter 10: Between the Sublime and the Ridiculous
• Epilogue: A Scoop of Advice
• Acknowledgments
• Photos Through the Years
• Reflection Questions
• About the Author
• Copyright