Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transgender Books for YAs ---------------------------------------- compiled by Britt Donohue (badd2lib@yahoo.com) from posts to YALSA-BK, December 2000 FICTION Am I Blue? Coming Out From the Silence Bauer, Marion Dane A collection of short stories written by sixteen respected young adult authors. Explores the experiences and troubles of gay and lesbian youth. Annie on My Mind Nancy Garden Liza and Annie's friendship grows into something more, and they must find the strength endure. The Arizona Kid Ron Koertge Bill spends a summer with his gay uncle and discovers a whole new world. Baby Be-Bop Fancesca Lia Block Dirk loses his friend upon confessing his true feelings. To protect himself he adopts a harsh appearance. After being beaten by a group of skinheads, Dirk begins to understand himself and his family. Bad Boy Diana Wieler A.J. discovers his best friend is gay Breaking Boxes A.M. Jenkins Charlie has developed a new friendship with Brandon, but when Charlie reveals a secret about his brother, Brandon turns away. Damned Strong Love Lutz van Dijk Based on a true story, it tells of the love between Stefan K., a Polish boy, and Willi G., a Nazi soldier. Dance on My Grave Aidan Chambers Hal's love for Barry is all consuming, immature, and heartrending. Dance on My Grave is the narrative he gives to his court appointed social worker in an attempt to explain why he was found dancing on Barry's grave. Deliver Us from Evie M.E. Kerr Evie Burrman is a lesbian. She enjoys working on her family's farm, ignores her mother's attempts to make her more ladylike, and rejects the young men who want to date her. Evie develops a relationship with the daughter of the town's banker and everyone must decide how to deal with it. Dive Stacey Donovan Virginia's world is falling apart until she meets the captivating Jane. The Drowning of Stephan Jones Bette Green An openly gay couple moves into Carla's town, and Carla comes to see the prejudices held by those she loves. >From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun Jacqueline Woodson Melanin's mother has just announced her homosexuality, and that she is involved in a bi-racial relationship. Melanin (a 13-year old boy) must deal with his feelings, as well as those of their neighbors. House You Pass on the Way Jacqueline Woodson Staggerlee and her cousin Trout share an attraction to girls. If it Doesn't Kill You Margaret Bechard Ben is a star high school football player who is trying to deal with the fact that his father left their family to begin a relationship with a man. Jack A.M. Homes Jack's parents are divorced and his father has just revealed that he is gay. Jack is forced to redefine his perception of family. Kissing the Witch Emma Donoghue New takes on traditional fairy tales tell stories of love between women. Lark in the Morning Nancy Garden Gillian's diary has been stolen, and she must face the possibility that her secrets will be revealed. My Father's Scar Michael Cart Andy tries to make sense of his life so far through a series of flashbacks to his childhood and adolescence. ***Not the Only One Tony Grima, Ed. Collection of short stories about what it is like to be gay or lesbian, or care about someone who is. ***OUT OF PRINT Peter Kate Walker Peter, an Australian becomes confused when he discovers that he is attracted to his older brother's gay friend. Trying Hard to Hear You Sandra Scoppettone A theater group discovers two of its members are gay. Unlived Affections George Shannon Upon his grandmother's death, Willie reads letters revealing that his father was gay. What I Know Now Rodger Larson Set in 1950's California, this is the story of 14 year-old Dave and his growing affection for his mother's gardener. Whistle Me Home Barbara Wersba Noli and TJ's relationship lacks a physical component. When Noli discovers TJ is gay, she reacts with anger and violence. NON-FICTION Becoming Visible: A Reader in Gay & Lesbian History for High School & College Students Kevin Jennings, Ed. Exploring a variety of cultures over a two thousand-year period. Death by Denial: Studies of Suicide in Gay and Lesbian Teenagers Gary Remafedi, Ed. Presents and discusses problems facing homosexual teens including anti-gay violence, family pressure, and suicide risk factors. Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth-and their Allies Ellen Bass and Kate Kaufman Speaks to gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens, giving them a guide to understanding, excepting, and celebrating their sexual orientation. Gay: What Teenagers Should Know About Homosexuality and the AIDS Crisis Morton M. Farrar Hunt Answers questions concerning gay orientation, sexual orientation, and lifestyles. Growing up Gay: a literary anthology Bennett L. Singer, Ed. Includes 50+ stories about coming of age and coming out, all written by prominent lesbian and gay writers and scholars. Joining the Tribe: Growing up Gay & Lesbian in the '90's Linnea Due Collection of interviews with gay and lesbian teens intended to offer a picture of what it means to be a gay teenager. The Last Time I Wore a Dress Daphne Scholinski 15 year-old Daphne Scholinski was admitted to a mental institution with the diagnosis of "Gender Identity Disorder." This is the story of her "treatment" which lasted three years and cost over a million dollars. Passages of Pride: Lesbian and Gay Youth Come of Age Kurt Chandler Six teenagers talk about their experiences from discovering they were different to making a place for themselves. Reflections of a Rock Lobster: A Story about Growing up Gay Aaron Fricke Fricke sued his high school for the right to take a male date to his senior prom. This is his story of growing up gay. The Shared Heart: Portraits and Stories Celebrating Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Young People Adam Mastoon Collection of black and white photographs taken by Mastoon, accompanied by short narratives written by the subjects themselves. Two Teenagers in Twenty Ann Heron, Ed. First-hand accounts of the experiences of gay and lesbian youth Understanding Sexual Identity: A Book for Gay Teens and Their Friends Janice E. Rench Presented in question/answer format, addresses issues pertinent to gay and lesbian teens. Provides general information on various topics including relationships with friends and family, how to alert someone to one's sexual preference, and homophobic behavior. When Someone you Know is Gay Susan and Daniel Cohen Written for straight teenagers, focuses on the interaction between straight and gay teens. Offers personal accounts mixed with scientific and historical information.