The Stone Rainbow

Seventeen-year-old Jack Pedersen is finding life complicated ever since he came out to his mom. Even though she's been doing her best to be understanding, it's obvious to Jack that his mom still wants to cry every time she says the word gay. Complications go into hyperdrive when a new student arrives at school, and Jack starts experiencing feelings he's never allowed himself to feel before. When a near tragedy turns life upside down, Jack realizes it's time to stop hiding from himself and everyone around him.

To spend more time with these characters check out Liane Shaw's Caterpillars Can't Swim.