Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
Rafe is tired of labels. Every since he was a little boy, everyone knew he was different. In fact, when he came out, nobody was surprised and everyone accepted the fact that they live in a community with a gay kid. Rafe: the openly gay student. Rafe: he is gay and smart. Rafe: well liked and gay. Everywhere Rafe goes, he is never just Rafe, but the gay guy known as Rafe. In order to get away from the label that is always attached to his name, Rafe has transferred to an all boy's high school where no one knows his name and the fact that he is gay. It's not that he wants to be locked away with a bunch of privileged and gorgeous boys, he just wants to be seen as Seamus Rafael Goldberg, the ordinary teenager who loves to write and wants to be accepted for who is and not what he is. When Rafe arrived at Natick, he didn't know what to expect, including his roommate, Albie. Albie is not at all what Rafe is expecting (Albie is a pig and Rafe is a neat freak), but, despite everything, Albie and his friend, Toby, are actually not that bad and kinda cool. When Rafe is asked to join in a game of football, by Ben he is given a once in a lifetime opportunity: becoming a jock. As time goes, Rafe has become part of a pack and the more time he spends with his new friends, the more guilty he feels about leaving his best friend, Claire Olivia, behind. Although they didn't part on the best terms, Claire was his confidant and the only person he could be himself around. However, he has learned that his English teacher knows he is gay (thanks to his mother), but, luckily, he is willing to keep to keep Rafe's secret and actually the allow him to express himself in his weekly journals. Life should be absolutely perfect for Rafe, but, unfortunately, when Rafe starts falling for Ben, things are about to become more difficult and even more complicated. Then again, who said being a teen is easy, especially if that teens is harboring a secret that could pretty much change the dynamics of an entire school.

Critical Evaluation:
Rafe never wanted to be the poster child for gay rights for teens. In fact, when he came out to his parents, he knew they would accept him for who he is. What he didn't expect is that his parents would use his sexuality as their latest revolution. Clearly, Rafe's parents are liberals who want nothing but the utmost for their son, including acceptance and respect. In many ways, readers will admire his relationship with his parents because they are more concerned about nurturing his soul and protecting his rights. What his parents don't realize is that they are marginalizing Rafe. Rafe's goal in life is to live a life without labels and, for once, be a normal guy. In his mind, Natick was the ideal place to start over where nobody had to know he's gay and they would actually see him for who he is. However, even at Natick, he is still labeled as a jock and that is why him and Albie had a rocky start. What this story brings to light is the idea that we, as human beings, are separated and lumped together by our similarities that society has designed, which have some serious consequences. For Rafe, being the openly gay student stunted his abilities to be amongst his own peers; everybody knew that it's not okay to bully the gay kid, but it doesn't mean they have to like him. At Natick, everyone knows that being a jock means you are automatically what Claire and Rafe call an FBIT (Frat Boy in Training), which we learn from Ben, is not true. Konigsberg does an amazing job juxtaposing Rafe and Ben because they are both sick of social constructs and want to be recognized for who they are and not what they are. Although Ben is straight, the admiration they have for one another is genuine and that is why their friendships works. However, with every friendship, there has to be an understanding  that honesty is just as integral as respect. Openly Straight is an amazing tale of one guy who wanted nothing more than to "normal" and embarked on a journey where he not only learned about himself, but how to truthful to himself and others.

Information about the Author:
According to his website:

Bill lives in just outside of Phoenix with his longtime partner, Chuck. They have an Australian Labradoodle named Mabel, who completes them. She also can jump very high and head a ball like a champion soccer player.

Bill is now a full-time writer of fiction, which is his dream job. Except when it makes him crazy and impossible to live with, which is about 36 percent of the time.

Before Bill was a fiction writer (and long before he ever referred to himself in the third person), he was a sports writer. As a sports writer and editor for The Associated Press from 2005-08, he covered the New York Mets and his weekly fantasy baseball column appeared in newspapers across the country, from the New York Daily News to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. In May of 2001, while working for ESPN.com, he came out on the front page of the website in an article entitled “Sports World Still a Struggle for Gays.” That article won him a GLAAD Media Award the following year.

Since then, he has spoken at numerous venues across the country on what it’s like to be a gay person in the world of sports. He has written for The New York Times, New York Daily News, North Jersey Herald and News and Denver Post, to name a few. His work has also appeared in Out Magazine. In 2011, his coming out was named the #64 moment in gay sports history by the website Outsports.com. His story was included as a chapter in the book “Jocks 2: Coming Out to Play” by Dan Woog.

Genre:
Teen LBGTQ Fiction, Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Humor, Teen Sports Lit

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up

Books Similar to Openly Straight:

•  Freak Show by James St. James
•  The Geography Club by Brett Hartinger

Awards & Recognition:
Positive Reviews from:

• Booklist
• The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
• Library Journal

Plot Summary:
Finley McManus didn't know what to expect when he Coach asked him to hang out with Russell (AKA. Boy21) and when he met him, his whole life changed. Finley was born in raised in one of the roughest cities in Pennsylvania. Surrounded by violence, the Irish mob, and plenty of racial tension, Finley earned the name "White Rabbit" because of his quiet demeanor and athletic prowess. As the point guard for his high school basketball team, Finley is the unsung hero for the team because, without him, there is no way his team would be as good as they are. Whenever he is not practicing with his girlfriend, Erin,who happens to be a basketball player as well, he keeps to himself and spends most of his time on the court and away from the drama at his home. What was supposed to be a quiet night with Erin, Coach showed up at his house to ask him a favor. Russ, the son of a Coach's close friend, who was recently murdered is the favor. Although Finley isn't sure why Coach chose him to help, it turns out that Russ is a basketball phenomenon, who has refused to play basketball. In fact, the death of his parents has rattled him so much that he think he is an alien named as Boy21, which also happen to be Finley's basketball number. Finley believes that Coach is asking him to convince Russ  to try out for the basketball team, which has him worries. When Finley met Boy21, for the first time, not only did he a giant man-child, he met a person who truly believed he was from outer space. Whether this act was Russ' coping mechanism, or he was just out of his mind, Finley agreed to Boy21's "resource" on human behavior. The only problem that Finley could foresee is that he's white and Boy21 is black. Black and white kids didn't really interact at their high school so Finley had not idea what would happen when he showed up to school with Russ. Luckily, with time, patience, and understanding, Finley and Boy21 have developed a friendship that would not only change the dynamics of their school, but allow them to heal and hope for a better future.

Critical Evaluation:
Honestly, I am still amazed that issues like this still exist. This is the year 2013 and one would think that we could get over differences like skin color and get on with our lives. The sad reality is that cities, like Bellmont, are still plagued with issues of race and rampant violence. For Finley, it's normal to come to school and be frisked by the police to make sure he didn't have any dangerous weapons and that his neighborhood is run by the Irish mob. On top of living in an armpit of city, he also has to care for his disabled grandfather and do as much as he can for his father since his mother left. I think what I appreciate the most about Finley's character is his sincerity and desire to see his father happy. At the same time, it is hard to see him struggle because someone his age should not have to carry the burdens and responsibilities that he has. As for Russell, he grew up in the suburbs and attended a private academy where he not only excelled in basketball, but he was a genius! Finley is an average student, but, when compared to Russell, they were light years away from one another. However, Finley has something that Russell does not have: a family (broken), but still a family. Although these two characters have very little in common, they compliment each other because Boy21 intrigues Russ and Russ appreciates Finley's "calming presence." Furthermore, Russ has the voice that Finley has yet to find and that is what makes this pairing ideal because they give one another the courage to become who they want to be. Quick has done an excellent job in conveying to teen readers the harsh reality of life and that when things get tough, we have to overcome our demons and live the life we were given.    

Information about the Author:
According to his website:

Matthew Quick (aka Q) is the New York Times bestselling author of THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, which was made into an Oscar-winning film, and three young adult novels: SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR; BOY21; and FORGIVE ME, LEONARD PEACOCK. His work has been translated into twenty-eight languages, received a PEN/Hemingway Award Honorable Mention, was an LA Times Book Prize finalist, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, a #1 bestseller in Brazil, and selected by Nancy Pearl as one of Summer’s Best Books for NPR. His next novel for adults, THE GOOD LUCK OF RIGHT NOW, is forthcoming from HarperCollins in February 2014. All of Q’s books have been optioned for film.

Q was born and spent the first few years of his life in Philadelphia before being raised just across the Delaware River in Oaklyn, New Jersey. He graduated from Collingswood High School (class of 1992) and La Salle University (class of 1996), where he double-majored in English and secondary education. He taught literature and film at Haddonfield Memorial High School in New Jersey for several years, during which he coached soccer and basketball, chaperoned trips to Peru and Ecuador, initiated a pen-pal exchange with students in Namibia, and counseled troubled teens.

In 2004 Q made the difficult decision to leave teaching and pursue his dream of becoming a fiction writer. He received his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Goddard College in 2007. He now lives in Massachusetts with his wife, novelist/pianist Alicia Bessette.

Genre:
Teen Lit for Guys,Teen Sports Lit

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Boy21:

• Whale Talk by Christopher Crutcher
• Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach

 From Amazon.com:
(Kirkus, starred review)

"Beautiful...It is this depth that makes "Boy21" more than a first-rate novel fueled by basketball; it's a first-rate work of art." (The New York Time Book Review)

"Every aspect of this multilayered novel harmonizes...excellently set-up twists display Quick's mastery of pacing; authentic dialogue and deft character development ensure both our emotional investment in these richly complex boys and also our empathizing with their main commonality--feeling like "you're not the person on the outside that you are on the inside."" (The Horn Book)

"His emotionally raw tale retains a delicate sense of hope and optimism, making it a real gut punch of a read." (Publishers Weekly)

Plot Summary:
Before she got on the bus to a track meet, Jessica's life was perfect. Not only could she set a record, she had friends, a wonderful family, and was well respected by her teammates. However, when the bus was hit by a truck that would not only claim the life of the driver and her classmate, her dreams were shattered. When she woke up in the hospital and saw the space where her leg should have been, she thought she was dead. After spending weeks in the hospital, and many days of self-loathing, Jessica returned home to face the truth that she has changed and that competing would be the last thing she would ever be able to do again. Although she has been given the opportunity to resume a normal life with a prosthetic leg, she is unsure and doubtful that she could ever be the same. However, with a little prodding from her best friend, Fiona, Jessica tries to be the girl she used to be. What Jessica did not count on is that there are worse things then losing a limb. When she returned to school, she not only dealt with the glares and stares, she realized what life might be like for someone who was unable to walk. When she went to math class, she was asked if she wanted to sit with Rosa. Rosa sits in a  wheel chair and that made Jessica which made her panic because she did not wanted to be seen as one of "those" people. However, when Rosa passed her note, she realized that there is nothing wrong with Rosa. Rosa cerebral palsy, which is a debilitating condition and, although Jessica is missing a leg, she at least knows what its like to walk. By looking past her condition, Jessica sees that Rosa is an intelligent and hopeful girl who helps her get out of her rut and even helps her pass math. While getting to know Rosa, Jessica starts to realize just how blessed she really is and she gets the biggest surprise from  a certain boy and her dreams of running again are not as impossible as she thinks.

Critical Evaluation:
I will be completely honest...this book is exactly what this generation of teenagers needs. Adolescence, in itself, is hard enough, but when life throws curve balls that adults can't even handle, these situations can be devastating. I can't even begin to imagine the tragedy that Jessica has experienced because she did absolutely nothing to deserve losing a limb and a team mate. I really do hate saying it but this story, like many, are prime examples of horrible things happening to good people. On the other hand, this story is not about loss, but about surviving and conquering. Jessica was definitely in a slump, but she decided and dared to hope that she can do anything she can set her mind to. I was so touched by her support team because, without them, Jessica would have probably never left the house. Her best friend, Fiona, is what I call a class act; she not only helped Jessica deal with her loss, but pushed her to strive for more. Rosa, the biggest blessing in Jessica;s life, is just beyond amazing. If anyone had a right to be angry and depressed by her condition it's Rosa. However, she doesn't blame people, or the world, for having CP. In fact, Rosa has accepted that she will never run, but it doesn't stop her from living vicariously through others by asking questions. I seriously had goosebumps towards the end when Jessica and Rosa were racing because talk about a wish come true: a girl with a prosthetic limb pushes another girl with CP in a ten mile race. I would have given anything to be in this story just so I can see the power of the human spirit uplift and stomp our despair and hopelessness. The romance bit was toughing, as well, because love doesn't know boundaries and people need to realize that if we cut our hair, gain weight, or lose a limb, we are still worthy of being loved. I was so inspired and beyond grateful that I read this book because we tend to take a lot of things for granted in this world until someone shows us to treasure every day and everyone around us. Bravo, Wendelin Van Draaen!

Information about the Author:
According to Random House:

Books have always been a part of Wendelin Van Draanen's life. Her mother taught her to read at an early age, and she has fond memories of story time with her father, when she and her brothers would cuddle up around him and listen to him read stories.

Growing up, Van Draanen was a tomboy who loved to be outside chasing down adventure. She did not decide that she wanted to be an author until she was an adult. When she tried her hand at writing a screenplay about a family tragedy, she found the process quite cathartic and from that experience, turned to writing novels for adults. She soon stumbled upon the joys of writing for children.

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Sports Lit, Teens with Disabilities
 

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Running Dream:

• Wonder by R. J. Palacio
•  Jerk, California by Jonathan Frissen
  

Awards & Recognition:

• 2012 Schneider Family Book Award
• Positive review from Booklist
• Positive review from School Library Journal

Plot Summary:
D.J. Schwenk is the only girl in her family (besides her mother). Not only is she a tom boy, but she knows everything about football since her elder brothers were Red Bend's finest players and her father was a coach. However, because of her father's hip replacement, she is not longer participating in the activities that she loves since she is in charge of all of the chores on the farm; Win and Bill are off at college football camp and her younger brother, Curtis, is too busy with baseball. According to D.J., she lives her life like the cows she cares for until Brian Nelson stepped foot on the farm. A friend of the family, the head coach at Hawley High (Red Bend's rival) asks her to train his back-up quarterback. Stunned by the offer, D.J. is mortified yet interested in whipping this rich, good looking guy into shape. Little does she know that this summer is going to be the one that will change her life forever, especially when she decides to try out for Red Bend Football.

Critical Evaluation:
Catherine Gilbert Murdock takes a plain girl, with very low self-esteem, and turns her into a champion. D.J. feels that she will never escape Schwenk farm because no seems to care about her needs and she doesn't have the strength to tell her family how she truly feels. Caught between being the "dutiful daughter" and a fierce competitor, she has a hard time finding her own voice. All her life, she has been in the shadows of her brothers and it is obvious she does not like it. However, when she is asked to train Brian Nelson, she realizes this is the only way she is going to play Football while torturing her "worst enemy." The biggest theme in this story is that no one is what they seem and, in fact, what everyone thought was true is actually a lie. As her world comes tumbling down around her, she puts her energy into the thing she loves most and makes her feel good-- Football. Readers will not only appreciate the humor in all of this madness, but realize that we are really amazing even though we are not all rich, popular, and beautiful.

Information about the Author:
Catherine Gilbert Murdock was grew up on a tiny farm in Connecticut where she spent most of her time in front of an ancient television that only had two channels that just happened to have Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds playing all the time, which Gilbert Murdock can no longer stand (para.1). As a young girl, she was known as the empress of the four shelf YA section since her passions was reading. Murdock also has a famous sibling (Elizabeth Gilbert) so writing is in her genes. According to her website, as to why she wrote Dairy Queen: "Dairy Queen was my first stab at creative writing since high school, not counting several years as a struggling screenwriter (which followed several years as a struggling scholar)" (para. 4).

When asked about writing, and the process itself, Murdock offers this advice:

I unabashedly recommend screenwriting for mastering the art of storytelling; just don’t pin any hopes on seeing your work on the big screen. But you’ll learn so much in the process that this won’t matter. I also recommend, you know, living. I've been passionate about food pretty much my whole life – first eating it, now preparing and then eating it. And so it plays a pretty big role in my writing, and adds so much flavor . . . not literally, of course, but the more you can add that's true, whether it's emotion or geography or gardening (that’s me in the picture above), then the stronger that story is" (para. 4).

Genre:
Teen Chick Lit



Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Dairy Queen:

• This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
• The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Awards & Recognition:

• See this website