Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Levithan, David (2005). Boy Meets Boy. New York, New York: Knopf Books. 

ISBN: 9780375832994

192 pages

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: 15-19

Stars: 4 stars

Subjects: Gender, Sexuality, Relationships, High School, Tolerance

Reader's Annotation

In an idealized high school where sexuality is not considered an issue, Paul, a sophomore, believes he has found love with Noah, but he makes a mistake that may cost him his relationship

Summary

Paul is a high school sophomore whose school is in an idealized world where cliques, gender, and sexuality have a completely different meaning. Although parents and adults have different views, the teens in this world don't see each other in typical gay/straight, jock/nerd, popular/unpopular dichotomies. Rather, they live in a world where everything has blended and people are simply judged for themselves, rather than any labels society might place on them. Paul thinks he has found love in the form of Noah, but he ends up making a mistake that might mean the end of their relationship, so he seeks counsel among his friends. Not everything is ideal in this high school world- there are still domineering boyfriends, conservative parents, and the typical problems of lovelorn teenagers that hint at an underlying darkness to the teen world without ever collapsing under the weight of its problems. 

Notes

Although this novel notably presents a fictional world, it will leave teens wondering why tolerance isn't this simple, and why the world is so categorical and unforgiving in its definitions of relationships, gender, and sexuality. By cutting through these issues, individual characters are able to shine, and the strength of their problems comes through in this well-crafted story of love, life, and high school. 

Awards

Booklist Starred Review

School Library Journal Starred Review

2003 Lambda Literary Award

Other Information

Fans of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (book or movie) might recognize David Levithan's humorous style and interesting take on love and life. 

Author Information

David Levithan's Website

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Lockhart, E. (2008). The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks. New York, New York: Hyperion. 

ISBN: 9780786838189

352 pages

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Level: 15-19

Stars: 5 stars

Subjects: Mystery, Adventure, High School, Relationships, Gender

Reader's Annotation

This novel tells the story of Frankie Landau-Banks' transformation from a perfect, straight-A student and a lovely young girl to a criminal mastermind who refuses to let boys tell her what she can and cannot do. 

Summary

Frankie Landau-Banks goes from geek to chic to brilliant criminal mastermind in this story. She was once a shy debate club member who knew she was intelligent but didn't have the courage to stand up for herself. With the passing of a year, she acquired a great figure, a gorgeous senior boyfriend, and a full awareness of her intelligence and wit. When she learns that her boyfriend is a member of a secret club that refuses her admittance on the basis of her gender, she decides to show them a thing or two about what she's really capable of. 

Notes

Girls will find this book hilarious, smart, and funny, and will likely feel empowered by this story of a smart, edgy female who isn't afraid to stand up for who she is and all that she is capable of. 

Awards

2008 National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist

Author Information

E. Lockhart's Website

What Happened to Lani Garver by Carol Plum-Ucci

Plum-Ucci, Carol (2002). What Happened to Lani Garver. New York, New York: Harcourt Press. 

ISBN: 9780152050887

336 pages

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Level: 15-19

Stars: 5 stars

Subjects: Death, Leukemia, Alcohol, Gender, High School, Cliques

Reader's Annotation

Claire, who missed a year of high school because of a battle with leukemia, is well aware that her hometown of Hackett scorns outsiders, and she dismisses parts of herself that don't fit in: her fears that her leukemia may have returned, her obsession with her guitar and writing dark lyrics, and her eating disorder- until the mysterious boy(?) Lani Garver enters town and forces her to examine her life. 

Summary

Claire McKenzie is desperate to fit in and not stand out from the crowd. After missing her junior year of high school because of a battle with leukemia, she is more determined than ever to hide the parts of herself that would be "acceptable" in her small hometown of Hackett Island. She doesn't tell anyone about her fears that her leukemia has returned, or about her love of the guitar and dark lyrics, or her eating disorder. With all of the secrets she has to hide to maintain the appearance of normal, it is no wonder she is immediately drawn to the strange figure of Lani Garver, an androgynous figure who immediately becomes a target of the small town's hostility for his otherness. Her friendship with him displeases her cheerleader friends and the popular boys in the school. Lani, however, forces her to be honest with herself and he helps her confrong her inner demons and examine her life as she wonders if he might just be an angel sent to help her. When the school's bullies begin to escalate their attacks, its more than Lani who might suffer at the hands of the "fish frat". 

Notes

This novel skips along at a quick pace, and although it is laced with somewhat unbelievable events and characters, the skill of the writing is great enough to overcome any deficiencies in plot. Readers will be pulled along with Claire as she tries to unravel the mystery of Lani Garver. 

Awards

2005 Most Popular Paperback List, American Library Association, honoree

2005 Young Readers Choice Awards, Pacific Northwest Library Association; nominee

2003 Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, Young Adult Library Services Association; honoree, 

2002 Michael L. Printz Award, Young Adult Library Services Association; nominee
2002 Amazon #1 Editors’ Choice in Young Adult Literature; winner
2002 Best Books for Young Adults, American Library Association; honoree
2002 Featured Books:  YM Magazine, September Issue
2002 Best Books:  Seventeen Magazine, September Issue
2002 Starred Review, Booklist, October Issue

Author Information

Carol Plum-Ucci's Website