When The Full Spectrum first hit shelves a decade ago, Massachusetts was the only state to legally recognize gay marriage. "Gender identity disorder" was still recognized as a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association. LGBTQ characters in popular media--especially media aimed at young people--were rare or nonexistent.

Now, ten years later, teens are becoming more aware of sexuality and identity than ever, and at much earlier ages. In order to help foster the young LGBTQ community, New York Times bestselling author David Levithan and author Billy Merrell have collected original poems, essays, and stories from gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, transitioning, and questioning teens and young adults, covering coming out, family, friendship, religion/faith, first kisses, break-ups, and others topics.

Teens are more aware of sexuality and identity than ever, and they're looking for answers and insights, as well as a community of others. In order to help create that community, YA authors David Levithan and Billy Merrell have collected original poems, essays, and stories by young adults in their teens and early 20s. The Full Spectrum includes a variety of writers-gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, transitioning, and questioning-on a variety of subjects- coming out, family, friendship, religion/faith, first kisses, break-ups, and many others.

This one of a kind collection will, perhaps, help all readers see themselves and the world around them in ways they might never have imagined. We have partnered with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and a portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to them.