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Man Up
With David’s final baseball season starting and college plans still up on the air, he begins senior year on edge. But when his baseball coach, Coach Kelly, wants to know if David is gay, he is left speechless. David knows the answer to the question but was hoping to get through his final year without anyone noticing the hallway glances at Tyler, a star on the boy’s track team, or their rides home together each day. In a school where his friends are turning their backs on him, he finds a new set of allies, that he didn’t know roamed the high school halls. Although he was forced out of the closet before he thought he was ready, what happens next is up to him. David can either cower in the corners or man up.
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2020
11 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Kim Oclon
2 books7 followersWith a BA in screenwriting and MFA in Fiction, Kim Oclon taught high school for seven years before becoming a mom to the best girl and boy in the world. While teaching, she taught creative writing and film classes in addition to the classics. She also co-founded the school's first gay-straight alliance. A reader all her life, Kim's first literary loves were a series of Care Bear Books. Eventually, she graduated to Sweet Valley Twins and The Babysitters Club. She always knew she wanted to be a writer but it wasn't until high school when she read The Things They Carried did she think, THIS is good writing.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 16, 2020
This LGBT story highlights the importance of taking control of your own destiny and your own narrative. David is going into his senior year feeling uncertain about his future---he needs a scholarship in order to be able to afford college, and baseball is his best chance for that. He's been one of the star players on his team since sophomore year. But when a teammate goes to the coach with the accusation that David is gay, he has to decide how to handle it. Should he ignore it, deny it or admit the truth? He knows pro sports are starting to be more accepting of LGBT players, but he has doubts about his hometown high school teammates---after all, the guy who basically outed him to the coach has made his opinion about sharing a locker room with someone who's gay more than plain. And the results aren't pretty.
It was easy to connect to David and to understand why he struggled to come out to his teammates. Toxic masculinity was often on display in the weight room and the locker room, and you couldn't blame David for fearing that it would rear its ugly head if he ever told people the truth about his sexuality. It was much easier to live two separate lives---one with his boyfriend, and one with his baseball team---and hope that maybe college would be different. I felt for David, especially in his struggle to decide whether or not to tell his best friend. His fear that the kid he'd known all his life would suddenly see him differently was palpable.
I fell in love with Tyler, David's boyfriend, who was incredibly supportive of David but also encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone. Tyler wanted to help David, but he also wanted to respect his boyfriend's feelings and decisions, which I appreciated. Some of the chapters of the book were from Tyler's POV, so we got the chance to understand his opinions and motivations. I was definitely rooting for David and Tyler to get a happy ending!
David's journey to finding his own strength and voice was compelling, but he also learned sometimes you have to deal with curveballs that are thrown your way---you may not be able to control what others think or whether or not you'll get that specific scholarship you were hoping for. But you can choose whether you'll let those curveballs passively strike you out or if you'll step up to the plate!
***Disclosure: This book was written by a friend, so I'm not even pretending to be 100% unbiased. I received an ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review (though I bought my own paperback as well and read that copy for this review). No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
It was easy to connect to David and to understand why he struggled to come out to his teammates. Toxic masculinity was often on display in the weight room and the locker room, and you couldn't blame David for fearing that it would rear its ugly head if he ever told people the truth about his sexuality. It was much easier to live two separate lives---one with his boyfriend, and one with his baseball team---and hope that maybe college would be different. I felt for David, especially in his struggle to decide whether or not to tell his best friend. His fear that the kid he'd known all his life would suddenly see him differently was palpable.
I fell in love with Tyler, David's boyfriend, who was incredibly supportive of David but also encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone. Tyler wanted to help David, but he also wanted to respect his boyfriend's feelings and decisions, which I appreciated. Some of the chapters of the book were from Tyler's POV, so we got the chance to understand his opinions and motivations. I was definitely rooting for David and Tyler to get a happy ending!
David's journey to finding his own strength and voice was compelling, but he also learned sometimes you have to deal with curveballs that are thrown your way---you may not be able to control what others think or whether or not you'll get that specific scholarship you were hoping for. But you can choose whether you'll let those curveballs passively strike you out or if you'll step up to the plate!
***Disclosure: This book was written by a friend, so I'm not even pretending to be 100% unbiased. I received an ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review (though I bought my own paperback as well and read that copy for this review). No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
April 6, 2020
Due to his family's economic situation, David knew the only way he could go to college was on a baseball scholarship. This dream was looking promising, until the team bully caught David in his crosshairs, and decided to out him in an attempt to remove him from the team. But, the damage was done, and David wondered, if he would be able to wrest control of the narrative, and get his life back on track.
I really felt for David. His senior year was going ok. He was working hard to advance his game, and he was in a wonderful, though secret, relationship with an amazing guy. He still was dealing with all the pressure and stress related to college admissions, but he was handling it. Then, Kevin had to come and add to his stress. I truly abhorred him, and everything he was meant to represent, but I acknowledge that he was not alone in his beliefs. When I was teaching, we all knew the least safe place for any kid, who was different, was the locker room. Sad, but true.
Many of the well-known scenarios we associate with the treatment of those in the LGBTQ community play out in this book, but it must be acknowledged, because these scenarios still exist. Though, I may have seen this before, it was David's struggle to accept himself, and take charge of the situation, which really drew me in. I appreciated how difficult this was for him, and it was compounded with other issues he was facing. I felt so proud of him, of the way he eventually faced the situation, and I was also proud of how some of the other people in his world stepped up as allies and friends.
First and foremost, David had the support of his amazing boyfriend, Tyler. Tyler was out, but respected that David needed to make that decision for himself. It was easy to see how deeply he cared for David, and I definitely felt the love between them. They were sweet and swoony, and I was solidly aboard this ship.
But, there were others on his side too. Patrick, the varsity catcher, was a surprisingly wonderful ally. Though he was not the most vocal in speaking out against the homophobic behavior, his showed his support through his actions. I also loved Allie. She was a member of the LGBTQIA group at school, and became a friend and confident of David's right when he really needed one. I felt like she was such an important part of his transformation, and liked that she brought in an outsider's perspective.
Overall: A thoughtful exploration of one young man's journey to self acceptance.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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I really felt for David. His senior year was going ok. He was working hard to advance his game, and he was in a wonderful, though secret, relationship with an amazing guy. He still was dealing with all the pressure and stress related to college admissions, but he was handling it. Then, Kevin had to come and add to his stress. I truly abhorred him, and everything he was meant to represent, but I acknowledge that he was not alone in his beliefs. When I was teaching, we all knew the least safe place for any kid, who was different, was the locker room. Sad, but true.
Many of the well-known scenarios we associate with the treatment of those in the LGBTQ community play out in this book, but it must be acknowledged, because these scenarios still exist. Though, I may have seen this before, it was David's struggle to accept himself, and take charge of the situation, which really drew me in. I appreciated how difficult this was for him, and it was compounded with other issues he was facing. I felt so proud of him, of the way he eventually faced the situation, and I was also proud of how some of the other people in his world stepped up as allies and friends.
First and foremost, David had the support of his amazing boyfriend, Tyler. Tyler was out, but respected that David needed to make that decision for himself. It was easy to see how deeply he cared for David, and I definitely felt the love between them. They were sweet and swoony, and I was solidly aboard this ship.
But, there were others on his side too. Patrick, the varsity catcher, was a surprisingly wonderful ally. Though he was not the most vocal in speaking out against the homophobic behavior, his showed his support through his actions. I also loved Allie. She was a member of the LGBTQIA group at school, and became a friend and confident of David's right when he really needed one. I felt like she was such an important part of his transformation, and liked that she brought in an outsider's perspective.
Overall: A thoughtful exploration of one young man's journey to self acceptance.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
April 20, 2021
This was an okay book, but mostly it left me annoyed and frustrated. The whole time the coach is on David's case about "not getting distracted" during the baseball season, but why is he not getting on the asshole bully's case about not being a homophobe? I assume there's other guys on the team that have girlfriends, is he worrying about them getting distracted too? I guess it's unfortunately true to life that the homophobes don't get punished while the actual gay guy gets viewed as the source of all the trouble, but it's still very frustrating to read. And David's alleged best friend (Mike?) pissed me off too, suddenly ignoring David after he finds out he's gay, and I'm still not sure if it's out of homophobia or if it's some annoying "I've been your best friend, how could you not tell me?" type reason, both of which I don't like, and while he eventually does defend David, I feel like it's never fully discussed or resolved in a fulfilling way. I mean hey they are teenage boys so it's not like they're going to be good at talking about their feelings, but again, that doesn't mean it's fun to read. I did really enjoy the lesbian who worked in the library that David befriended though. Not a terrible book, but I didn't really like it.
May 19, 2020
Kim's a friend of mine, so I may be a bit biased in posting a positive review of her debut novel Man Up, but then again, I wouldn't be posting a review at all if I didn't genuinely enjoy reading it.
Man Up does what all great YA does so well: From page one, it immerses you in the tense psychodrama of its characters' everyday lives and doesn't let go. And those characters feel so real—especially the protagonist David and the delightfully quirky Allie. Kevin feels pretty real too, unfortunately. (When I taught at the same high school Kim did, I had my share of Kevins in class.)
One of the things I like best about the story is that it doesn't sugarcoat anything about David's struggle as a gay high school athlete (at least from my privileged vantage as a straight cis adult man). There's an abundance of ignorance, hate, and even violence that both David and his boyfriend Tyler must navigate as a result of simply being who they are. But there are also plenty of small triumphs, bolstered by the heartening support of some unexpected allies.
I devoured the novel in only three sittings, stopping only because I needed to do dumb things like cook dinner or go to sleep. (Curse you, physiological needs!) My only complaint is that even though the book made so many mentions of the Chicago White Sox, there weren't any characters named Magglio.
Man Up does what all great YA does so well: From page one, it immerses you in the tense psychodrama of its characters' everyday lives and doesn't let go. And those characters feel so real—especially the protagonist David and the delightfully quirky Allie. Kevin feels pretty real too, unfortunately. (When I taught at the same high school Kim did, I had my share of Kevins in class.)
One of the things I like best about the story is that it doesn't sugarcoat anything about David's struggle as a gay high school athlete (at least from my privileged vantage as a straight cis adult man). There's an abundance of ignorance, hate, and even violence that both David and his boyfriend Tyler must navigate as a result of simply being who they are. But there are also plenty of small triumphs, bolstered by the heartening support of some unexpected allies.
I devoured the novel in only three sittings, stopping only because I needed to do dumb things like cook dinner or go to sleep. (Curse you, physiological needs!) My only complaint is that even though the book made so many mentions of the Chicago White Sox, there weren't any characters named Magglio.
June 16, 2023
A very well-written book that is grounded in reality! Especially with regards to homophobia, acceptance, and bullying, Ocolon takes a realistic approach to this story. David and Tyler’s relationship is written in such a way that makes sense for one of them being in the closet-ish. The use of both characters’ point of view gives us a glimpse into each’s perception of the events within the book. at times the pace dragged a bit, in addition to some underdeveloped characters. Specifically, Coach Kelly and Mike. For Kelly, his dialogue is a bit generic. With Mike, his covering of the hateful message on the locker should’ve been expanded upon and could’ve possibly led to a rekindling of their friendship. overall, a solid book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
Changed to 6 stars!!
I got this book for a library challenge and I want to buy a physical copy so I can annotate, get some quotes that really stick out to me as a queer kid in the process of coming out. This book was so fast paced, it had good quotes, I liked the duel pov and that it didn’t focus on the second one (Tyler) as much as the main character that the book was about (David).
There was some really aggravating characters which shows that it was a good book!
I got this book for a library challenge and I want to buy a physical copy so I can annotate, get some quotes that really stick out to me as a queer kid in the process of coming out. This book was so fast paced, it had good quotes, I liked the duel pov and that it didn’t focus on the second one (Tyler) as much as the main character that the book was about (David).
There was some really aggravating characters which shows that it was a good book!
May 20, 2022
This book surprised me! I happened to see it in my library and got curious. I like books and movies with sports stuff in them, even if I don’t understand everything about the sport, so to find a baseball-centered queer book, I was excited to check it out!
Instead of the mushy, romance-focused story I was expecting, I got a realistic story about a teen’s struggle with coming out, struggling to financially prepare for college, and an angry douchebag named Kevin. I really enjoyed how the romance between the MC, David, and his secret boyfriend, Tyler, took a backseat but was still a big aspect of the story.
There were also little peeks into Tyler’s perspective, which I’m on the fence about in a story structure way but love Tyler in general so it made me happy. David was definitely the MC so having Tyler’s perspective did throw me off a bit. I’m not complaining though! Tyler is an absolute sweetheart (and sounds like a total heartthrob lol)!
There was a HEAVY focus on the Red Sox and other baseball names/stats/terms that did go a little over my head. It’s a good thing context is my specialty😉 Those elements did make the story feel more real and I count that as a win.
However, there was one ‘umbrella’ of smaller things: I wanted more.
There was nothing wrong with the payoff in the story, though I did wish there had been an epilogue to things like how David’s family was doing financially after he left for college, whether David and Tyler ever held hands/told people they were together/kissed/etc in public, if Mike ever came clean (no spoilers), and how David’s relationship was with Kevin for the rest of the season.
I would’ve loved to see more specific scenes with David and Tyler being sweet/romantic with each other. They’re scenes together were so cute in a subtle way that kept the element of their secret relationship and I loved that!
Overall, I recommend this book, especially if you do like baseball and queer books and secret relationships and coming out stories - or all of them together!
Instead of the mushy, romance-focused story I was expecting, I got a realistic story about a teen’s struggle with coming out, struggling to financially prepare for college, and an angry douchebag named Kevin. I really enjoyed how the romance between the MC, David, and his secret boyfriend, Tyler, took a backseat but was still a big aspect of the story.
There were also little peeks into Tyler’s perspective, which I’m on the fence about in a story structure way but love Tyler in general so it made me happy. David was definitely the MC so having Tyler’s perspective did throw me off a bit. I’m not complaining though! Tyler is an absolute sweetheart (and sounds like a total heartthrob lol)!
There was a HEAVY focus on the Red Sox and other baseball names/stats/terms that did go a little over my head. It’s a good thing context is my specialty😉 Those elements did make the story feel more real and I count that as a win.
However, there was one ‘umbrella’ of smaller things: I wanted more.
There was nothing wrong with the payoff in the story, though I did wish there had been an epilogue to things like how David’s family was doing financially after he left for college, whether David and Tyler ever held hands/told people they were together/kissed/etc in public, if Mike ever came clean (no spoilers), and how David’s relationship was with Kevin for the rest of the season.
I would’ve loved to see more specific scenes with David and Tyler being sweet/romantic with each other. They’re scenes together were so cute in a subtle way that kept the element of their secret relationship and I loved that!
Overall, I recommend this book, especially if you do like baseball and queer books and secret relationships and coming out stories - or all of them together!
May 29, 2020
This was an okay read. It didn't really wow me in any way or bring anything new to the table as far as LGBT books go, but we always need more so I'm glad I read it. I didn't really see the point of having Tyler's point of view, as his chapters were short and didn't add too much that could have been said through David's perspective. The book also felt all over the place at some points, and wrapped up way too quickly in my opinion. I feel like it should have been a hundred or so pages more. Important topics of coming out and forced coming out were dealt with. I wish that there was more of an importance laid on actually going to GSA meetings or going to adults of authority when things happen. There are so many laws now against discrimination in school that I wish these things were highlighted for teens who read books like this and don't know what to do if they face situations similar to the book. I wish the story would have ended with David going to a GSA meeting or serious action being taken at the school against discriminatory actions. To show that there are support groups one can attend and if a school isn't taking anti-discriminatory measures seriously one can turn to outside help.
Overall, I had a good time reading this book. There weren't any glaring flaws and I liked the characters and character progression. I just wish there was more. I felt like topics were only glossed over and that more could have been done to really bring home the points the author was trying to make. I think there are better stories out there (written by own voices authors which we should be lifting up more) that deal with this topic in better ways.
Overall, I had a good time reading this book. There weren't any glaring flaws and I liked the characters and character progression. I just wish there was more. I felt like topics were only glossed over and that more could have been done to really bring home the points the author was trying to make. I think there are better stories out there (written by own voices authors which we should be lifting up more) that deal with this topic in better ways.
April 29, 2020
So I’ve known about David for years and it was such fun to learn how his story plays out. I loved the emphasis on controlling the narrative and how important it is for someone to be able to come out on their own terms. I also really liked the somewhat “side story” of David’s college decision. Plenty of high schoolers thumb their noses at community college (ugh, tragically I WAS one of those kids) so that felt very realistic. Even though he never came to *love* the idea, it was nice to see him recognize the opportunity he had in front of him, and the way his boyfriend helps him through that decision was sweet (I laughed out loud at the butchering of Mark Buehrle’s name 😂).
June 10, 2020
This book takes a thoughtful look at what being Gay and Out in high-school is really like. Author Kim Oclon's debut novel hits all the right notes as we follow high school senior David through his last year of high school where all he wants is to play baseball and get a scholarship to college, until he's outed by a team bully and has to figure out his next best move. With new information and new situations coming at David from all sides, the reader is sucked into the journey right along with David as he navigates his new identity. A truly good read!
August 3, 2020
Man Up has all the ingredients to keep readers turning pages late into the night. Rich, dynamic characters drive a plot with an effective balance of fast-paced action and deep internalization of the main character, David. Family, friendships, futures, and high school sports make this a book that would appeal to most teens (and adults!) and lends itself to great discussion.
In the classroom, 7th grade and up seems like a good fit. Not only is this a book to keep on the classroom shelf, but one to consider for book clubs or literature circles, too.
In the classroom, 7th grade and up seems like a good fit. Not only is this a book to keep on the classroom shelf, but one to consider for book clubs or literature circles, too.
October 24, 2021
This book really feels like it was written by a straight person for straight people. The protagonist was unlikable which makes the book very hard to enjoy. There was absolutely no character development, the whole book is just about assholes being assholes. This book disappointed my already low expectations.
July 14, 2020
This was a nice read but somehow I expected more. More dept, more interaction between David and Tyler, more pages. In my opinion Tyler’s POV didn’t add that much to the story and I’d liked it if there were about 100 pages more. I liked the two POV’s and Allie, Mike was a bit invisible.
October 25, 2020
Great YA story
This is a great YA story about coming out in high school, fitting in, surviving bullying, and homophobes. It ends in a Happy For Now. I would definitely recommend to any teenager or reader of YA LGBT stories.
This is a great YA story about coming out in high school, fitting in, surviving bullying, and homophobes. It ends in a Happy For Now. I would definitely recommend to any teenager or reader of YA LGBT stories.
December 18, 2024
This book has such an amazing portrayal of coming out. For so many people, it's a difficult time, even if there are people with them in their corner, and I feel like this book encapsulated how real world consequences can come out of it.
May 22, 2020
A wonderful book focusing in on timely issues such as LGBTQ+ in a school athletic setting, familial relationships, bullying, and toxic masculinity. An absolute must read!!!!
November 4, 2020
Good story overall.
Had a good story overall. There was occasional misuse of the first/second person. This was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was hard to put down.
Had a good story overall. There was occasional misuse of the first/second person. This was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was hard to put down.
May 20, 2021
4.3/5 Oh gosh this one was so cute it made me want to give the characters a hug.
April 15, 2021
Book Review 💙⚾️
Man Up, by Kim Oclon
For all my queer book fans, this one is for you! Especially if you love a story full of high-school angst, unexpected friendships and realistic fiction.
Man Up stole my heart! ☺️
David is a senior in high school and thinking about what the future holds for him. His passion in life is playing baseball and his secret romance with Tyler. But when rumors start to circulate and his coach asks him if he is gay, how will David protect himself from judgement but also live his truth and be authentic?
I loved this book so much. My favorite aspects were the positive role models and unexpected support that David found along the way. I appreciated the bumpy road that David experienced, because it felt realistic to the LGBTQIA+ experience. What made everything worthwhile was watching David come into his own and develop his courage, bravery and authenticity. 💪🏼
I also loved that this book is written as a dual POV from both David and Tyler’s perspectives. While reading I was so invested in these characters. Kim, I need a book #2 about Tyler and David! 🥰🤩
I also loved that this book touched on the concept that when you are queer, you are “always coming out”...It’s so accurate!
Although it was tough to read about David experiencing heartbreaking and frustrating events (Mike and Kevin I’m looking at you 🤬😤😡) the bullying, violence and judgement is unfortunately true to life for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Overall, Kim Oclon’s book is a beautiful story about strength, community, and resilience. I highly recommend reading Man Up!
⚠️: bullying, homophobia, physical violence
Man Up, by Kim Oclon
For all my queer book fans, this one is for you! Especially if you love a story full of high-school angst, unexpected friendships and realistic fiction.
Man Up stole my heart! ☺️
David is a senior in high school and thinking about what the future holds for him. His passion in life is playing baseball and his secret romance with Tyler. But when rumors start to circulate and his coach asks him if he is gay, how will David protect himself from judgement but also live his truth and be authentic?
I loved this book so much. My favorite aspects were the positive role models and unexpected support that David found along the way. I appreciated the bumpy road that David experienced, because it felt realistic to the LGBTQIA+ experience. What made everything worthwhile was watching David come into his own and develop his courage, bravery and authenticity. 💪🏼
I also loved that this book is written as a dual POV from both David and Tyler’s perspectives. While reading I was so invested in these characters. Kim, I need a book #2 about Tyler and David! 🥰🤩
I also loved that this book touched on the concept that when you are queer, you are “always coming out”...It’s so accurate!
Although it was tough to read about David experiencing heartbreaking and frustrating events (Mike and Kevin I’m looking at you 🤬😤😡) the bullying, violence and judgement is unfortunately true to life for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Overall, Kim Oclon’s book is a beautiful story about strength, community, and resilience. I highly recommend reading Man Up!
⚠️: bullying, homophobia, physical violence
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews