Praise for Things We Couldn't Say: "I cannot even explain how excited I am about having a new Jay Coles book in my life." -- Buzzfeed "Jay Coles' new novel is a touching coming-of-age story about a bi Black teen navigating the treacherous waters of high school, sports, and first love -- just as his estranged mother returns from a years-long absence." -- Bustle * "A candid look at the deep-seated trauma left behind by an absent parent and the importance of found family, this is ultimately a warm, genuine read. A first choice for high school libraries and highly recommended for fans of Nic Stone." -- School Library Journal , starred review "An emotional coming-out, coming-of-age, and coming-to-terms story. A realistic depiction of challenging circumstances and first love." -- Kirkus Reviews "Sublime. Coles's beautifully written bildungsroman encompasses topics such as identity, grief, love, alcoholism, socioeconomics, depression, sexuality, family, race and racial injustices.

It creates a safe space for queer Black boys to see themselves where they aren't always portrayed, while also offering a window and sliding glass door for readers who identify differently from Gio. As readers are invited into Gio's life, they watch him maneuver his age, race, sexuality in all their realms and learn how important it is for young adults to find an understanding of the self as well as a definition of what family and love really means. In this superbly written coming-of-age novel, a teenage boy struggles to stay afloat and be brave despite his world crumbling." -- Shelf Awareness "Gio's personal journey offers a welcome intersection of identities and experiences that is sweetened by the love shown him and the love that he learns to give." -- Booklist.