Queerceañera - by Alex Crespo (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Joaquin Zoido is out and proud of it. And while he knew his dad and sister, Carmen, would be super supportive, he wasn't quite ready for them to surprise him with a queerceaänera, a coming out party to celebrate him. Between all the talks of tastings and venues, and the chirping of his family's RSVP texts, the question of who will be his chambelâan is on everyone's minds. What Joaquin is decidedly trying to not think about is whether his mom is going attend or if she's finally replaced him with her favorite godson, Felix--the boy who made Joaquin realize he was gay and who was his first kiss. But when an impromptu lie snowballs into a full-fledged family-group-chat rumor, every Zoido from Texas to Mexico starts believing that Felix is not only Joaquin's chambelâan but also his brand-new boyfriend. To avoid the pity and sympathies of an ill-timed breakup, Joaquin and Felix strike a deal--they'll stay fake boyfriends until the party. Yet, as the day draws nearer and old feelings spark anew, Joaquin will have to decide whether a picture-perfect queerceaänera with a fake boyfriend is worth giving up the chance of something real"--

Book Synopsis

2025 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults

2025 ALA Rainbow Book List

This irresistible and hilarious rom-com from acclaimed author Alex Crespo is a whirlwind of telenovela-level drama and hijinks when Joaquin Zoido finds himself fake-dating his childhood crush and newly minted date to his queerceañera.

Joaquin Zoido is out and proud of it. And while he knew his dad and sister, Carmen, would be super supportive, he wasn't quite ready for them to surprise him with a queerceañera, a coming-out party to celebrate him. Between all the talks of tastings and venues and the chirping of his family's RSVP texts, the question of who will be his chambelán is on everyone's minds.

What Joaquin is decidedly trying to not think about is whether his mom is going attend or if she's finally replaced him with her favorite godson, Felix--the boy who made Joaquin realize he was gay and who was his first kiss. But when an impromptu lie snowballs into a full-fledged family-group-chat rumor, every Zoido from Texas to Mexico starts believing that Felix is not only Joaquin's chambelán but also his brand-new boyfriend.

To avoid the pity and sympathies of an ill-timed breakup, Joaquin and Felix strike a deal--they'll stay fake boyfriends until the party. Yet, as the day draws nearer and old feelings spark anew, Joaquin will have to decide whether a picture-perfect queerceañera with a fake boyfriend is worth giving up the chance of something real.

Review Quotes

"A coming of age in the wake of the coming-of-age party. Impossible to put down." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Crespo has created a narrative that celebrates a world where found family comes together with blood family to create a vibrant, enthusiastic community fully supportive of Joaquin's entire self."

- Booklist

"A touching, raw examination of love."

- Sophie Gonzales, internationally bestselling author of Never Ever Getting Back Together

"This heartfelt story builds like a telenovela as Joaquin's Mexican American family gathers to create the most beautiful queerceañera. Romance enthusiasts will enjoy the new twists to these tropes, while the flowing dialogue and poignant moments make the story hard to put down. A must for every YA collection." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"An absolute romp." - Aiden Thomas, New York Times Bestselling author of Cemetery Boys

"Simmering with romantic yearnings and pulse-racing flirtations, Queerceañera is a delightful romcom. Like all great parties, you won't want this joyful celebration to end." - Brian D. Kennedy, author of A Little Bit Country and My Fair Brady

"Made even richer by humor, sweet friendships, and an adorable romance, this is a delightfully charming story that encourages readers to join in on the party." - Racquel Marie, author of Ophelia After All

"Filled with gossipy family, loyal friends, and a splash of fake-dating charm, Queerceañera is funny, heartfelt, and very, very gay." - Edward Underhill, author of This Day Changes Everything and Always the Almost