The Rebel's Guide to Pride - by Matthew Hubbard (Hardcover)

About the Book

"When the mayor of a small Alabama town starts targeting Pride events, bad boy Zeke begins hosting a series of "Pride Speakeasies""--

Book Synopsis

When the mayor of a small Alabama town starts targeting Pride events, bad boy Zeke begins hosting a series of "Pride Speakeasies" in this joyful queer coming-of-age!

"A book that demands to be read, shared and celebrated."--PinkNews

There's nothing Zeke Chapman wants more than to tarnish the perfect reputation his father is so obsessed with. He quit the baseball team, started fighting at school, and nearly flunked junior year. Newly out as gay, Zeke isn't sure where his queer identity fits in with his bad-boy persona. His father has always told him to stay quiet and not attract attention, but his friends are pushing him to be just as out and proud as they are. Most days, Zeke isn't sure how to be a "good gay" or what that even means.

When his best friend, Sawyer, begs him to help the QSA plan Pride Day, he obliges--mostly to piss his dad off. But then the mayor announces an ordinance that cancels all LGBTQ+ celebrations. Angered by the injustice--and his father's support of it--Zeke decides to put his rebellious ways to good use and plans a series of underground "Pride Speakeasies".

As the speakeasies grow, and the community comes together to declare him "King of Pride", Zeke finally feels like he's doing something that matters. But friendship drama, a mysterious cyber-crush, and rising tension with his rival and ex Cohen "Coco" Fisher threaten to undermine his newfound pride. When his final party ends in near-disaster, Zeke must ask himself what he's really trying to do. After all, there's a reason that the first pride was a riot.

Review Quotes

"Hubbard tells a story with emotional depth that reflects contemporary political realities. An inspiring, feel-good book that's timelier than ever."--Kirkus Reviews

"Plot-rich...Zeke emerges as a fully realized, multidimensional character--and, happily, an empathetic and proud one at that."--Booklist

"This book acts as a blueprint for how to find your village and how to find your place."--Southern Review of Books

"Bold, poignant, and inspiring! Zeke's struggle to navigate his family life and embrace his voice is charming, heartfelt, and deeply relatable!"--Christine Riccio, New York Times bestselling author of Again, But Better

"The Rebel's Guide to Pride is a timely, necessary exploration of one boy's refusal to let others dictate who he can and cannot be. In parts joyful and moving, heartfelt and hopeful, Hubbard's sophomore effort reminds us all what's at stake, and that staying silent isn't an option."--Liz Lawson, New York Times bestselling author of The Agathas series

"Fierce, funny, and fully unapologetic, Matthew Hubbard writes like a rebel with a cause, delivering a story that is both a timely call to action and an uplifting celebration of queerness. This book bursts with pride."--Brian D. Kennedy, award-winning author of A Little Bit Country

"The Rebel's Guide to Pride goes to show how a little rebellion can lead to real change. Funny, sweet, and a bold reminder of the importance of Pride."--Erik J. Brown, bestselling author of Lose You to Find Me

"Danger: Reading this book will make you a rebel. The Rebel's Guide to Pride is a heartfelt reminder that, in spite of others' attempts to define you, your best self is the one you choose. Painfully authentic and ultimately hopeful."--Shaun David Hutchinson, award-winning author of We Are the Ants

"Matthew Hubbard's delightful The Rebel's Guide to Pride is a rousing reminder of the urgent need to celebrate our Pride, on and off the page, through art, community, and a little rebellion."--Abdi Nazemian, Stonewall Book Award-winning author of Like a Love Story

"The Rebel's Guide to Pride comes on like a splash of glittery rainbow paint across a banned books sign. A vital, hilarious, and raucous story about finding pride in a hopeless place."--Stephan Lee, author of K-Pop Confidential

"Equal parts hilarious, heartfelf, and moving, The Rebel's Guide to Pride is a fun and unapologetically queer coming of age story that will remind you what pride is really about. It's a rallying cry, and exactly what we need right now."--Cait Jacobs, author of Medievally Blonde

About the Author

Matthew Hubbard writes the kind of stories he wished he'd had as a teen in rural Alabama. He grew up on a mountaintop farm and knows more than he is willing to admit about small towns. He studied English, marketing, and psychology in college. When he isn't writing, Matthew can be found on a hike in search of breathtaking views, reading as many books as he can get his hands on, and cheering for his favorite hockey team. He lives in Chattanooga with his husband, their dogs Layla and Phillip, and Jay Gatsby the cat. He is the author of The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge and The Rebel's Guide to Pride.