Am I Blue? Coming Out from the Silence

Gr. 8-12. Sixteen short stories by a stellar group of YA writers--some gay, some not--all of whom have something meaningful to say about gay awareness and want to present readers with positive, credible gay role models. Wonderfully diverse in tone and setting, the stories cut across color and class lines to incorporate everything from a contemporary, feminist story about a girl's coming out and a tale written with a nod to the Vietnam War to a fantasy that takes place in a mythical Amazonian kingdom and a story set in a Catholic girls' school. If there's one off note, it's the title tale. A campy, messagey piece by Bruce Coville, the story, which is actually humorous as well as pointed, would have been more effective had it been placed elsewhere in the collection. As leadoff to the anthology, it gives readers the impression they're in for sermons, not good storytelling, and nothing could be further from the truth. Bauer's anthology, with stories recognizing both the physical and the emotional pull of being gay or lesbian, includes a number of particularly good selections. One of the finest, "Three Mondays in July," comes from Jim Giblin, best known for his young people's nonfiction; another comes from Newbery Medal winner Lois Lowry, who gives us a moving tale about a teenager who can't bring himself to be honest about his father's significant other. With stories that go beyond struggle and stereotype to show individuality, pride, and affection, this is an important book that should be in every YA collection. A portion of the proceeds will be shared with the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.