Something to be Proud Of

by Anna Zoe Quirke

Imogen Quinn is a chaotic bisexual with dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian, crushing stereotypes about autistic people. When she decides to put on a pride festival that’s accessible for everyone, she enlists the help of the openly gay captain of the football team, Ollie Armstrong.

Dealing with the fallout from his parents’ divorce, Ollie is initially hesitant. But it doesn’t take long for him to be swept up by Imogen’s passion, and he’s not the only one. Joined by the (infuriatingly perfect) head girl, musicians, an artist and a star baker – a dream team soon assembles to help plan pride and tackle injustices in their school and beyond. You’d better listen out – they’re getting ready to make some noise.

Packed full of fun, forever friendships and fighting back, this YA debut is perfect for fans of I Kissed Shara Wheeler, Gwen and Art are Not in Love, Feel Good, Heartstopper and Not My Problem.

Genres: Young Adult, LGBT, Queer, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Contemporary, Disability, Fiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2024

About the author

Anna Zoe Quirke is a queer and autistic author. They live in Manchester with their wife and very angry tortoise, Sheldon, where they also work as a high school librarian and write about mental health, neurodivergence and everything LGBTQ+.

Their debut novel Something to be Proud of was published with Little Tiger in June 2024 and nominated for the Carnegie Award. Their second novel, Sad Girl Hours, was published in 2025.

They’re at their happiest writing stories about queer and disabled people finding love and claiming their place in the world, but they also enjoy exploring cool places, cooking new recipes, and generally being a huge nerd about books, art, and anything else where they can find a story.

Reviews

[Lauren James]

This hilarious comedy will make anyone who is queer and neurodiverse feel seen, uplifted and treasured.

[Emily Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Zoe Quirke’s YA debut is a story of friendship, love and Imogen and Ollie’s fight for inclusivity. A book that will make autistic, disabled and LGBTQ+ young people feel seen and less alone.

[Leonids · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was an absolutely amazing book. It's difficult to know where to sing its praises first - it was easy to read and I absolutely breezed through it, in part because of how clear it was and in part because it was an utter joy. I adored all the characters, especially the core cast, and it made me so happy to see their stories unfold.

I'll admit I was in tears for a decent chunk of the book; tears of joy, almost the whole time. That's super rare for me, but reading this book felt really special because I felt immensely seen. I've been that queer, autistic sixteen year old with a sense of justice that doesn't seem compatible with the rest of the world, and seeing Imogen grow was an experience I can only describe as healing. A book about people who want something and fight for it and get closer together because of it just feels so profoundly hopeful to me, and every aspect of that had me in pieces.

Quirke handles every difficult topic in the novel with so much sensitivity and meaning - the emotions felt incredibly real and really brought me along for the ride. In all, I utterly adored this book. An easy 5/5.

[Anniek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sounded like the perfect Pride Month read, so I'm glad I still got around to it this month. This is very much an "it's me, not you" situation though, because it simply didn't work for me as well as I was hoping. I didn't really click with the humour or the writing style, and it felt needlessly long. I'm disappointed because of course I want to love all the super queer, super autistic books, but this one did not live up to my expectations.

[elbow ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
i don't even have anything to say for myself bruh. this had NO business taking this long to read but i think i just started it at a bad time maybe.

i'm feeling conflicted, because this simultaneously included everything that i love about ya books, and also everything that i think i'm moving away from in my personal book taste. personally, i love the way that characters' identity groups are clearly flagged in young adult books. like YES i want to read about an autistic bisexual and her gay half-japanese friend. yes it's anything but subtle, but i really don't mind it. at the same time though, i feel like i am moving towards reading more adult fiction rather than stories like this, as i do enjoy nuance as well. however, i feel like this book and stories like it are very important for young readers so i am glad that they exist!

while the writing did come across as juvenile at times, i genuinely enjoyed the humour and characterisation. this review has essentially been contradiction after contradiction so i think i'm just going to sum it up by saying i ultimately enjoyed this!

[Evita · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The only way for everyone to feel comfortable in this world is to disrupt the comfort of those who’ve been far too comfortable for far too long.”

After having a terrible time at a Pride parade, autistic bisexual disaster Imogen decides to start an activism society at her school in order to organise a more accessible Pride event. Now she only needs to recruit some great people. Perhaps the openly gay and popular football captain Oliver will be the perfect choice?

Oh my god this was such a wonderful debut. The plot was so much fun but it also had a bunch of serious topics mixed in. It was really fast paced and I just wanted to keep reading.

Imogen and Oliver were great main characters. They both went through hard times and I loved seeing how their friendship evolved throughout the book. The biggest focus in this book is on friendship and I absolutely loved that.

Read if you like to see:
🏳️‍🌈Queer YA stories
🏳️‍🌈Activism
🏳️‍🌈Wholesome friendships
🏳️‍🌈Neurodivergent MC
🏳️‍🌈Diverse characters

Some great quotes:

“I’ve turned my rage into hope and I’ve given it to other people.”

“I’ve always thought that queer people and disabled people have a lot in common - we’re all existing in the world in our own ways; we’re all breaking convention. And there’s something really cool in that. We get to carve out our own spaces where we get to make our own rules.”

[IWouldRatherBeReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg this book was so good i loved it so much!! its was really funny and i loved imogen and ollies dynamic they were just so fun to read ya know
also i called the thing with amilia and inogen really quick idk how tho!! it made me so happy!

also the whole activist group was so cool like why cant my school/district do that!


5 STARSS
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[eespencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.25) Queer, disabled, with an accessible Pride parade. What more could you possibly ask for.

So grateful for the fact that this book got published in the US despite the shitshow over here right now. It’s a gem.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Arc)

This book is genuinely something Anna Zoe Quirke should be proud of. Imogen and Ollie are genuinely the most authentic and real characters I've read in a YA novel in such a long time and I really enjoyed reading their stories and the way they interacted with others and the situation in general. There are a couple of subplots but I find that they matter to the main plot without taking anything away from it so it allows a more enhanced reading experience. Love is love, life is better because of love and this book shows that.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am actually surprised this only has 147 ratings as this book would be up so many people's alleys!!!!
the platonic soulmate vibe going on for Ollie and Imogen was beautiful and i truly am a sucker for that type of friendship in a book

[Candii · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed the reps of various disabilities, sexualities and genders :) (even if i wish there was a bit more diversity)

i will admit i much preferred imogen's pov for most of the book, ollie's pov just annoyed me until maybe 3/4 in. while i relate to imogen especially with the autism, she is still very different to me, but she was very engaging. ollie's pov just seemed to be this on going one issue, which is valid but not personally for me (especially when adults are emotionally immature and expect their kids to be adults, it triggers me a bit too much)

this book makes me hope i can visit a very accessible pride event some day! i have really bad social anxiety, im autistic and have other health conditions so crowds is very overstimulating and overwhelming and im not good at talking to people and need to sit down a lot but i really would like to go to a event some day!! i mean ive gone to cons before but always have a miserable time ahhh (also i find they arent very accessible/lack quiet spaces) so i do hope that accessibility is becoming more of a thing thats spoken about maybe there will be something i can go to :3

[Tova · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Who looks like an inebriated giraffe now?!"

Knock your socks off good book. Cozy and also hysterically funny, Something to be Proud Of is a joyful, wildly silly, queer novel!

Read if you like
- Found Family
- Plantonic Love
- Queer Activists
- Nuerodivergent mcs
- Disability rep
- Stand up comedy
- Good books

[Kate Allman-Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really easy read and enjoyable! It was perfect to read during pride month.

[Kals Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made for all of us queer, neurodivergent and disabled humans! This transman most definitely enjoyed this little fun read 🥰

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this one up when I heard Zoe talk at an event earlier in the year and finally got around to reading it over the last month.
A beautiful story with friendship at its core, highlighting the need for diversity and inclusion.
I loved Imogen and Ollie, seeing their friendship develop and watch how they each dealt with their separate home lives - in fact all of the other subplots were equally important to the story as a whole. Their fight for justice was both inspiring and gripping.

[Bryanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why does all your music sound like angry women having breakdowns?" he asks.

"Because that's what the inside of my head feels like, except now it has killer beats."


Lovers of Heartbreak High and Heartstopper, get ready for genuinely funny, heartfelt, and hopeful book about activism and the power of friends. This will have you feeling a wonderful mix of rage and feel good vibes, and I cannot wait to add this to my classroom shelf for students to discover as well.

Friendships should not make you feel uncomfortable, should not be toxic, should not lead to negative thinking - rather, they should be Something to Be Proud Of. Thankfully, this book shares the brilliance of true friends and navigates the ups and downs of accepting, supportive, and thoughtful relationships.

The author captures the naivety and wishful thinking of youth and dreamers - I really connected with how much Imogen wants to change the world for good and how the activist group desires so fiercely to make their community accessible and welcoming to all. It was also beautiful seeing the bond between Ollie and Imogen take form, and seeing how their mutual respect and understanding helped each find courage to communicate and closure regarding their personal insecurities.

This story sheds light on some of the daily struggles faced by neurodivergent, disabled, and LGBTQ+ individuals and shows how frustrating and demoralizing it is to have your very self disregarded or shamed whether it be by strangers, peers, staff, family, or the establishment.

I adore how Imogen is unapologetically herself, but that this doesn't mean words and actions don't hurt them - they very much do, but she often uses this sadness and anger to fuel her. I found myself wishing to be more like them, and know many readers will find both comfort and inspiration in this character and thoughtful observations like:

"We need to get you out of this headspace immediately; it's not going to help with anything. You've got to learn how to see life not as a series of unending tragedies, but as a series of not-terrible moments occasionally interrupted by tragedy. That's the only way to survive in this dumpster fire of a world."

After finishing this book, you're bound to be left feeling hopeful (and probably also hoping they turn this into a film/television program immediately) - I sure was!

[Sian Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Something to be Proud Of' is a great YA novel that explores neurodivergence and sexuality. I liked the way that a lot of the accessibility issues were dealt with, showing how neurotypical or able-bodied people don't always notice things that don't affect them, yet it has a massive impact on others' lives.
With dual POV, it was really nice to get a rounded view of Ollie and Imogen as well as a varied image of the other characters, particularly Amelia and Josh. I liked Amelia's character development but wish that things with Ollie and Josh had gone a little differently in the middle of the book.
Sometimes, I found the way that things were worded a bit difficult to get through and the word choice felt a little forced at times which unfortunately pulled me out of the story as someone who works with teenagers, they don't say some of the things the characters do. I also found the mixture of British 'English' and Americanisms pulled me out of the story sometimes, one instance in particular that stood out was Imogen saying something about a 'garbage can.' It made me go back a few pages to see whether 'mum' or 'mom' was used to reset the location of the story in my head. Despite that, I still really enjoyed reading about a small part of Imogen and Ollie's lives and it was a privilege to watch their friendship bloom.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Tiger Group for allowing me to read an advance copy.

[Insomniac Library (Drew) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars - 40 / 100 for 2024 - Paperback / Annotated
Thank you as always to PrideBookTours for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
-
The very first Pride was a riot. People got mad at the ways they were being treated and then they did something about it. They threw those first bricks and demanded to be seen as who they are, no more, and certainly no less. Maybe it's time for me to starts harnessing my rage in a more productive way tooo.
-
Something to be Proud Of see's chaotic bisexual and autistic Imogen and gay football captain Ollie joins forces with other classmates in an effort to host the first ever PRIDE event in their hometown, making it more accessible so everyone can celebrate. But between divorcing parents, narrow-minded headteachers and fear of failure, it might not be as easy as it seemes...
-
To quote Imogen, *ahem* HOLY MOTHER OF ALL SHITS!
This was phenomenal, hand on heart this is one of best LGBTQ+ books I have ever read and is an astounding debut. I cannot wait to see what Anna Zoe Quirke comes out with next!
So, I realised I had actually only read one other book where the main characters was austitc, that being 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime' by Mark Haddon and that was a long time ago. This book opened my eyes to so many things I was totally guilty of being unaware of.
Like how PRIDE can be so overstimulating and not always accessible to everyone because of where it is held or events that are on. I feel books like this are going to change the way a lot of people see PRIDE in the future and hopefully we can all be like Imogen and implament changes to ensure everyone not only feels welcome but also feels seen and safe.
-
The relationship between Imogen and Ollie is honestly so beautiful.
I adored their connection, bonding over things they have in common and finding ways to work with eachothers differences. We need more books where friends say 'I love you' to one another, we need more queer-platonic relationships!
Imogen is fucking hilarious.
I laughed outloud whilst reading this multiple times, the whole book is funny but some of Imogen's quips had me rolling!!! Examples(I struggled to wittle it down so have three of my favourites)
-
You mean besides the fact that he runs a meth lab, kicks puppies for fun and is absolutely riddled with STIs?

I'd best be off. Have a lovely catch-up. You'll have to regale me with stories later, Ben, sorry. I've got people to make laugh and parents to disappoint.

"I was like, I'm austitic? But I don't like trains, my maths skills are terrible, I don't resemble Sheldon Cooper in any way - this can't be right."
-
She is a menace and national treasure and I wish had I had a friend like her.
Everyone needs an Imogen.
Everyone also needs an Ollie because hi hey hello GREENIEST of flags and goodest of boys!
He's a total sweetheart and I would do anything for him. Seeing the older sibling protective of younger sibling during a parents divorce really resonated with me and was beautifully handled. Him finding himself with makeup was also so cute, I felt myself tear up a few times, we love a man who fights toxic masculinity.
I know he kinda was trying at the end but Ollie's dad is the king of all douche-bags and his mother is mother-fucking legend. Good for you Keiko, you go Keiko!
-
The side characters were also really fun, lots of diversity so we could see how pride is viewed from different perspectives. The whole premise of fighting for gender neutral bathrooms and facing the difficulties they did is so relatable and showcases how places will say they're inclusive but that inclusivity isn't insectional and is therefore worthless. It's such an important conversation and I'm glad teenagers are getting that in books today, God if this had come out whilst I was teenager I would have felt so seen and heard and loved.
I have no complaints, this was perfect, I devoured in one sitting and adored every page.
Per-fuckin'-fection.
-
"I'm also autistic. And very proud to be, just like I'm proud to be bisexual. But other Pride events wouldn't let me be proud of both of those things. In fact, I realised that most of them were completely inaccessible for disabled people, and I decided that needs to change. Because everyone deserves to feel pride in who they are - all of who they are, not just some of it.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

NEW FAVORITE QUEER NOVEL UNLOCKED 🌈

If you liked Heartstopper, I implore you to read this book! This absolutely had all of the same cozy friend group vibes, made up of a diverse cast of characters and wrapped up in an unapologetically queer-positive novel. And truly, this friend group is so precious, I could cry! There are so many sweet moments of them showing up for each other, whether that’s banning together as an activist group and putting together fundraisers, cheering Imogen on during their standup set, or at one point literally pulling a Say Anything moment to show their undying love and support for each other.

I. LOVE. THEM.

Platonic love is shown to be just as strong and beautiful and important as romantic love, which is so, so refreshing to see more of. Especially the platonic love between Imogen and Ollie, arguably the heart of this novel. There will be these quiet and tender moments where one of them will look around the room surrounded by their friends, or they’ll be at a sleepover and eating pizza together, and it’ll suddenly hit them that these are the moment worth living for, and it’s just…IT’S JUST BEAUTIFUL, OKAY. It’s that one Heartstopper episode where they all decide to have their own prom at Charlie’s house. It’s the “and in this moment, I swear, we are infinite” in Perks of Being a Wallflower. It’s these soft and beautiful moments of friendship that made this such a comfort read.

“The room feels golden - warm and light like the sun rose right here inside it while they were speaking. I can scarcely remember how low I was feeling earlier; right now, I'm here, in this golden room, with people who care. About me, about our group, about making a real difference. I know I will always have to live with the uncertainty that comes along with existing in this world as the person that I am. But this, right here - us - this is something I know for certain I got right.”


Final Thoughts
I feel like I just scratched the surface with how great this book was. There were so many things I loved about it. So many important conversations about true inclusivity and accessibility. About fighting for your right to take up space. It was also so deeply cathartic to read, watching these characters speaking their truth and standing up for themselves, and putting bigoted people in their place, unafraid to say what needs to be said. And you feel like you’re right alongside them, cheering them on 👏🏼
ALSO: Imogen’s experiences as autistic over the course of the novel felt very authentic, and I so, so appreciated that kind of representation!

This, to me, was the perfect queer novel, I will definitely be on the lookout for more of Anna Zoe Quirk’s works in the future!

[Georgina Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The only way for everyone to feel comfortable in this world is to disrupt the comfort of those who’ve been far too comfortable for far too long” - Imogen

Something to be Proud of is a wonderful quirky, comedic, uplighting, insightful, supportive and educational book. This book covers some very heartfelt and heavy topics and does not shy away from the discrimination that certain individuals face. This is a truly representative book with focus on inclusivity of all genders, sexualities, disabilities, neurodiversity and race, the main plot of the book is Imogen’s plan to create a completely accessible and inclusive pride festival and the trials and tribulations her and her Activists Society encounter.

This was a book that I fell in love with, all the characters are amazing, and the friendship and squad goals developed throughout the book are fantastic. The book is told from two alternating perspectives of both the two main characters; Imogen and Ollie (who are my new favourite book baes) their character development was well rounded, honest and relatable and watching their friendship develop and strengthen was inspirational. I loved them both for so many reasons, and I love that the author was able to express just how much they meant to each other throughout the novel. I loved how supportive Ollie was with all his friends, and how he was able to own his own future and confidence, and Imogen was so unapologetically herself, and I found myself learning so much more about autism through her, and for me personally have taken a few lessons away with how I can help my own child who is autistic, so this book feels so much more like home to me than I expected.

This book is a quick, engrossing and fast paced read with plenty of action to keep you completely gripped throughout. The emotional rollercoaster the author is able to take readers on is fantastic, there are scenes of utter despair and your heart breaks for characters or you find yourself being angry (that’ll make a good case for Imogen choosing you as a friend!), scenes of heartwarming interactions that leave the reader feeling joyful and hopeful, and then there is the banter and comedic sides of the story that just make you chuckle out loud, this is a completely well rounded novel that everyone should read.

I would recommend this to everyone who wants to read more inclusively, but also those who loved Heartstopper, I got real squad goal vibes from the AAAS (Ardenpool Academy Activist Society)

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this book perfectly encapsulated what queerness and inclusivity is all about. Anna Zoe Quirke has created a story and characters who are unapologetically queer, and passionate about fighting for rights not just for themselves but for others. So many queer spaces are constantly looking to be more inclusive and accessible, and this book tapped into that brilliantly.

📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚

While the exposition was a little quick and clunky, once the story got going I was completely hooked. Imogen and Ollie are both really compelling narrators, and both their individual journeys as well as their friendship was a joy to read.

I particularly liked how Ollie’s relationship to gender expression was explored. For me and, I’m sure, many others, one of the surprising things about coming out is how liberating it is in terms of how you dress, etc.. I thought it was discussed in a really great way, that felt very true to life and powerfully written.

While many queer spaces are as inclusive and accessible as Imogen’s pride event is, many are not, and this book is a brilliant reminder of how inclusive spaces are not just important, but are also exciting and full of opportunity. It’s a reminder to think creatively about how we can make changes in our lives, big or small, to allow room for everyone to not just exist but to thrive. It couldn’t come at a better time.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

[Doe Is Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley, however all opinions are my own

So the reason I wanted to read this book is because I saw it on Netgalley and I LOVE queer storytelling so I applied for it. Friends, I am ecstatic that I got the ARC of this book and will 100% be buying a physical copy when the book comes out. The storytelling in this book is hilarious, heart-warming and incredibly beautiful. I've never seen a book that has autistic, disabled, and queer representation and had such a diverse cast of characters. Anna, like Imogen, definitely wanted representation in their book for everyone and you will definitely find yourself relating to at LEAST one of their characters. As a disabled queer person my heart was filled to see so many characters that I could easily relate to. This book was so easy to just pick up and read, and I found myself picking this up whenever I had a spare moment (which says something considering I've had such a busy week). I found myself giggling so much whilst reading this book and was really rooting for the characters to reach their goals. I loved every moment of reading this book, and would 100% recommend this to anyone who'd love to read a beautiful, queer story.

My Favourite Characters:

Imogen: I loved so much how Imogen was just very much unapologetically herself. Her character growth throughout the book was incredible and I loved seeing her find her people.

Amelia: Amelia was honestly my favourite side character. Her character growth was also incredible and I loved her more and more with each and every chapter.

Auntie Septic: Auntie Septic is actually a very small character within the book, but I adored her and genuinely wish we had more of her

My Least Favourite Characters:

Oliver's dad: I'm not gonna lie friends, I loathed Oliver's dad. I can't say much more.

Ms Greenacre: I despised Ms Greenacre throughout the whole book. 0/10 teacher.

(If you'd like to see more of my reviews please go to my blog:
https://doesden.blogspot.com/)

[Rachael Cartin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're queer and / or neurodivergent, it's often hard to get your hands on representation that makes you feel truly seen as a whole. Reading STBPO felt like meeting old friends for the first time. I fell in love with all of the character and I saw so much of myself in them. I laughed at almost every page, teared up more than once; I felt for the characters highs and their lows.

Imogen and Ollie's friendship is one of the most genuine and gorgeous friendships i have ever seen in a novel. At its heart, this is a platonic love story - something I needed more of as a teen, when it felt like romance (and especially heterosexual romance) was the only kind of relationship girls should value.

STBPO is exactly the sort of book I needed growing up (although, with a role model like Imogen I would probably have been suspended more often). I needed to felt seen, and I needed to hear that I was worth being loved exactly for who I am. I needed to know it was okay to be angry, and that I could change the world for the better. I know that this book will mean so much to so many people, because it would have been everything to me when I was the age the Gang are.

So much love for this book and for Anna Zoe (who is, full disclaimer, my fiancee. No, this has not biased my review....)

[Beth FK · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such a joy to spend time with this book and the fabulous cast of characters - thanks to the author & publisher for sending me an advance copy to read. I'd had an early read of the opening chapters in a previous draft, and so my expectations were high... This did not disappoint!
Imogen and Ollie work so well as contrasting point of view characters, each dealing with a different set of challenges, whether parents who don't understand you or divorcing parents in Ollie's case.
I have to say I just LOVED Imogen though, especially the humour of her sections, and the quick-witted dialogue as she comes into her confidence and finds her tribe of friends who love her for who she is and share her passion for activism. There's some much-needed and nuanced discussion of disability and queerness as the friends campaign and fundraise to create a truly inclusive Pride event. And although there is some romance, it's so refreshing to see a platonic friendship being centred and celebrated in this way. I found this story to be beautiful, funny and big-hearted - highly recommended!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book on a whim and I am so glad I did!! It's such a wonderful, uplifting book and I had such a good time reading it.

Imogen is unapologetically queer and neurodiverse and as a queer, neurodiverse person it was such a lovely experience to be represented like this? I felt seen, and I loved it.

Ollie was fab! I adored watching him come into his own and grow as a character, being more at home in his own skin and standing up to bigotry and enact change with the activist group *chefs kiss*

Idk man I just loved this book, I felt frustration and pride along with the characters when things did/didn't go well for them, it was beautiful

To summarise: the queer joy I felt while reading this was unparalleled, I haven't felt this way since reading heartstopper for the first time. Such a heartfelt, showstopper of a debut

(Also Anna Zoe Quirke please release ur next book soon babes because I will be buying it xoxo)

[lucy, she-her · Rating 3 out of 5]

- published in 2024 but having “send noods” on a noodles patch is INSANE… and a short person calling themselves a hobbit too… crazy shit for 2024 LMAO 2016 called
- “oh, budgies” when will autistic or autistic-coded characters stop being written as a combination of cringe millennial and disney channel kid?? it’s giving “ermmm… he’s right behind me, isn’t he?” and it feels ABLEIST
- “mood” in 2024?
- there was no need to show that clem was afab. it’s a book, you could’ve let them be seen as they are
- “mad skills” 🤢
- “ollie would approve”… of amelia’s skincare and makeup - why? it was never specified before this moment that he was into that stuff.
- “certified bop” kill me now
- it was obvious from the beginning that imogen and amelia would get together, so it wasn’t really a plot twist or anything, but that’s fine i guess
- “resting bitch face” misogyny and ableism in one fell swoop xx
- “y’all” i’m k wording myself
- classic cringe stand-up moment
- imogen is annoying and cringe, she’d defo be the least liked friend
- also i don’t think autistic people do always understand social cues and just “ignore them”, i feel like that was kind of a mad thing to say - i usually don’t get cues AT ALL until someone explains them to me
- the cake stand-up thing was cute but made no sense because they aren’t having and eating it, they’re just eating it… it doesn’t work for the metaphor
- some punctuation errors - apostrophe instead of comma, etc
- the rep of dual pronouns is quite nice
- “what do you need right now?” made me cry
usually mother stuff gets me the most but wanting a dad to love you and see you for who you are is another level
- two wolves and both are gay 💀
- “menty-b” was a bit iconic
- “we love a ____” IN 2024??
- “BEBE” what the fuck does this even mean
- i appreciate the discussions about masculinity, and how josh opens up to ollie and then feels better
- the boy in the dress core!!! (drag football!!)
- putting “the” in front of everything like “doing a teensy bit of the kissing” = millennial cringe
- and calling people “gremlins”… no words
- “this is what masculinity looks like” >>>
- lesbian and bi girlfriends i love it
- “being yourself and being loved aren’t two incongruent things, just so long as you surround yourself with the right people” jesus christ this sucker punched me
- i adore ollie and imogen’s relationship. i also love their names
- are maryam and poppy trans or did they just have the flags on?

[WallofText · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love how filled with joy and hope this book is! Imogen is a wonderful narrator and pretty funny (less so in their standup than throughout the book itself but still) and I really liked Ollie's gender expression journey as well as the exploration of youth activism, the intersection of disability and queerness, and the focus on friendship. Ollie and Imogen have a great dynamic and absolutely stole the show. I did find the ending to be a bit too perfect and neat, and the romance between Imogen and Amelia lacked chemistry to me. Also something about the writing made me think the characters were a lot younger, like 14-15 as opposed to the 17 they are meant to be. There's very little talk or thought of what their future will be past school which seems odd at that age. Still, it's a cute and charming book that I am glad to have read, even if I will likely not revisit it.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much. As Quirke hoped, reading Something to Be Proud Of feels like a hug.

Imogen and Ollie are my favorites. Their friendship is so wholesome. I love how they support each other and truly see each other—in a way that no one else has really seen them before. I love that this story is centered around their friendship. (This is the epic friendship story I’ve been waiting for!)

Speaking of friends, everyone in the Youth Activists crew is awesome, and I would love to be a part of the crew.

This is such a joyful story. I love that our characters fight so hard for an accessible Pride—a Pride that is enjoyable for everyone (LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and/or disabled). I appreciate the messages of being proud of all of ourselves—not just parts of our identities. Something to Be Proud Of is a true celebration, and one of my new favorite books.

[Fi Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book switches between the dual POV of Imogen (autistic, bisexual, aspiring stand-up comedian) and Ollie (gay, captain of the football team), and this allows us to get different viewpoints of all the characters, including each other. This really helped with the character development, and i connected to so many different characters for different reasons. The book is absolutely a love letter to the joys and heartaches of being a queer teen [or, truly, any teen] with equal focus on finding your people and finding yourself. I one hundred percent recommend anyone join the emotional rollercoaster as Imogen, Ollie and the whole beautiful group try to put on the most inclusive and accessible pride event ever, because everybody [and every body] deserves glitter and rainbows if they want them.

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and quirky read!

Be prepared to go on a journey filled with friendship, pride and inclusivity. Anna has it all in this fun and uplifting read, right from the fist chapter I easily fell into Imogen and Ollie's story of trying to make some noise around important topics, this author highlights these sensitive topics in such a way that's light hearted but still informative.

This is a YA novel but its amazing, from character development through out the read to some interesting sub plots that keep you wanting more this is a book you need to read. I flew through this novel as it was such an easy read that flows so well chapter to chapter. I for sure will be reading more by this author in the future.