BOY MEETS BOY

Levithan, David. Boy Meets Boy. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2005 (c2003). 185 p. PBK $8.95 ISBN 978-0375832994

SUMMARY: Paul has known he was gay since kindergarten, when it showed up on his student evaluation. He lives in an ideal world for a gay teen, where he is accepted as readily as any other person despite his sexuality. The Gay/Straight alliance is larger than the football team, and the quarterback is also the homecoming queen.

RISKS: Homosexuality

EVALUATION: I love how this book portrays the scenario of a community where homosexuality is accepted and not a big deal. I appreciate the freshness of the love story, where a gay teen can delve into romance and relationships without persecution or hate inhibiting him. But to keep a perspective on a more present reality, Levithan includes Tony, a boy from another school who hangs out with Paul and his group of friends, but has to hide his homosexuality from his own schoolmates and his family. It is truth and fantasy at the same time, and also terribly funny and moving.

READER'S ANNOTATION: Imagine a world where those who live in shame and fear feel comfortable at the center and happy with themselves. Paul's is a dream of a high school experience where normal is larger than you can imagine.

TOPICS: friendship; homosexuality; high school;

AWARDS: Illinois: Lincoln Award Nominees, 2008; ALA Popular Paperbacks, 2006; New Hampshire: Flume Award Nominees, 2006; New Jersey: Garden State Teen Book Award Nominees, 2006; ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2004; ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2004; Washington, D.C.: Capitol Choices List, 2004

Ages 12-17