Parrotfish

Wittlinger, Ellen. Parrotfish. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers: 2007. ISBN: 9781416916222.

Plot Summary:
Angela is a sophomore in high school and makes the brave decision to be true to herself. Angela has always felt like a boy on the inside and conflicted in situations where girls and boys are grouped separately, not sure which group to align with. Angela cuts her hair, begins dressing like a boy and changes her name to Grady. The change is freeing and wonderful for Grady on the inside. He feels like his true self is emerging. Unfortunately, even the people that love Grady are struggling with his decision and trying to adjust to this new idea. Add in the culture and insecurity of high school and Grady's life is very tumultuous. Making friends and losing friends can be a normal high school experience, but in Grady's case it is more difficult because of the way society views gender.

Critical Evaluation:
Grady is one of the bravest protagonists in teen literature. He teaches us how to be our authentic selves without apology. The reader is privy to Grady's insecurities and reasons for his decision. Having this background build a connection with his character not just in the light of being transgendered, but as a human being. The book also includes a lot of references to popular culture, giving the story a realistic tone. Intertwining the story with Christmas and the family's outgrowing of traditions is a great parallel. Change is an important part of life that we all deal with in different ways. The novel asks a great question, why does gender have to be viewed in only two perspectives? How would society be different if there were other choices. Teens are interested in their world and seeking to understand their place in it. Novels like this are great signposts along the way.

Reader's Annotation:
Are you brave enough to let the world see who you really are? Are you brave enough to know who you really are?

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
These days there are novels available for teens who are questioning their sexuality. This novel is useful because it takes on the topic of being transgendered.

Genre:
Issue Novel/Sexual Identity

Why Book Included:
This was recommended reading in another YA class and I really liked it.

Empress of the World

Ryan, Sara. Empress of the World. Speak: 2001. ISBN: 0142500593.

Plot Summary:
Nicola Lancaster is spending her summer at the Siegel Institute, a summer educational experience for gifted students. She makes friends quickly with Battle, Katrina, Isaac and Kevin. This is unusual for Nicola, she doesn't make friends easily. The new friends don't share classes, but become tight and hang around with each other. Nicola begins to feel uncomfortable and self conscious around Battle and thinks Battle feels the same way. Each has sort of had boyfriends before, but sense an attraction to the other. The girls act on their feelings and explore the relationship. Most people at the Institute don't say anything, but a few jerks in Nicola's archeology class call her names. The relationship scares Battle and she acts out in an extremely hurtful way.

Critical Evaluation:
Empress of the World has won numerous awards and was included on several Best Book List. It is a sensitive exploration of friendship that turns into romance. The book is not delineated by chapters, it simply has part one and part two. This lends continuity to the narrative. Ultimately the book is about relationships, touching on parents, friends and romance. Teens struggle with relationships on a day to day basis. Sara Ryan discusses the issues in frank and honest turns without preaching. Most of the teens have a tenuous relationship with their parents, sometimes issues with friends at home and explore romance at the Institute. The scene where cutting Battle's hair takes place is moving on several levels. First, the girls are able to physical put actions to their feelings in a fun way. Second, the statement Battle makes is less about self expression, instead it is primarily about asserting her independence. Nic and Battle's relationship is tricky like most romantic relationships. This sheds light on the fact that it doesn't matter what gender is involved, when your heart is concerned it can be difficult and sometimes hurtful.

Reader's Annotation:
If you are nervous and unsure in a romantic encounter, chances are the other person is too.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Being a teen is hard, being a gay teen is even harder. Books that deal with this theme in a thoughtful, sensitive way help teens through this time frame. Defining our sexual identity is something that takes time and support from our family and peers. Books can be a part of that support system.

Genre:
Issue Novel/Sexual Identity

Why Book Included:
I haven't read very many books within this genre and wanted to pick a book that was recommended. Empress of the World is listed on an ALA Best Book List.

Far From Xanadu

Peters, Julie Anne. Far from Xanadu. Little, Brown and Company: 2005. ISBN: 9780316159715.

Summary:
Mike Szabo is a sixteen-year-old high school junior who is gifted at softball. She has dreams of playing professionally someday. At least she had that dream. Everything changed two years ago when her dad committed suicide. Feeling bruised, alone and unloved Mike is just trying to deal. Everything changes when Xanadu arrives. Xanadu is gorgeous, perfection and attitude and Mike is hooked immediately. The two are attracted to one another and become fast friends. Unfortunately the attraction is just as friends and Mike desires more. To complicate matters Xanadu falls head over heels for Bailey, a local ranchers son. Mike become Xanadu's confidant about all things Bailey. It is hard for her, but hope, love and lust keep Mike going. This is not the only complication in Mike's adolescent life. Mike's mother weighs nearly 500 pounds and won't speak to her. Darryl, her older waste of a brother is letting their home fall down around them, literally. Mike's life is complicated and difficult. Being a teen has many challenges and the people around Mike have made her road more bumpy and perilous than most.

Evaluation:
This novel has two main gay characters, but the heart of the story is not about being a teen and being gay. The first line of the novel is, "After my dad's suicide, the town council decided to remove the bottom portion of the ladder from the Coalton water tower." This book is about the desire to feel loved and secure and the people who let us down. This bildungsroman takes place several levels. Mike does come to terms with her sexuality, which through most of the novel she assumes is not needed. More importantly, Mike releases herself emotionally and is able to deal with her father's death and abandonment and her mother's lack of care and depression. Mike's subtle personality is contrasted with Jamie, Mike's sixteen-year-old best friend, who is flagrantly gay. Teens will be able to connect with Mike's desire to distance herself from her family and find refuge in other places. Mike finds refuge at work, school and the local gym. Working out becomes her way to not feel emotionally. By making her muscles scream and ache, she can drown out her feelings. Emotions will not be denied forever and must manifest themselves. We can choose to deal with them positively or continue destructive behavior. Mike's choice is a great guide for anyone, teen or adult.

Readers' Annotation: We desire things we can't have. Imagine that it is right in front of you.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness:
Far From Xanadu would be useful to teens who are dealing with the death of someone important in their lives. The novel shows Mike angry and upset at her father for killing himself and that is a normal part of grieving. Mike must also come to terms with her absent, mentally ill mother and realize her mother's issues are not Mike's fault. Lastly, the gay themes will connect with teens who are wondering what high school can be like for a gay student.

Genre:
Realistic Fiction/Issue Novel

Why I Chose This Book:
The title and the tag line (For anyone who has fallen in love with someone just out of reach), hooked me on this book. This book has been stolen from our collection and that made me curious as to why a patron would steal it as opposed to checking it out.