
AM I BLUE? edited by Marion Dane Bauer Illustrated by Beck Underwood Category: Anthology Age Recommendation: Grades 9+ Release Date: 5/30/95 Publisher: HarperTrophy Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius" Rating: 5 Stars Written over ten years ago, AM I BLUE? is still as important today as it was then. A short story collection dealing with GLBT (gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender) issues by some of 1995's top authors, this book is a true gem for teens searching for their identity--or just looking for a good read. With stories ranging from contemporary paranormal, to ones set in the 1950's, to one based during the Vietnam War, and even one in another world of Amazon warriors, there's something here for everyone. Stories include: AM I BLUE? by Bruce Coville WE MIGHT AS WELL ALL BE STRANGERS by M. E. Kerr WINNIE AND TOMMY by Francesca Lia Block SLIPPING AWAY by Jacqueline Woodson THE HONORARY SHEPHERDS by Gregory Maguire RUNNING by Ellen Howard THREE MONDAYS IN JULY by James Cross Giblin PARENTS' NIGHT by Nancy Garden MICHAEL'S LITTLE SISTER by C. S. Adler SUPPER by Leslea Newman HOLDING by Lois Lowry BLOOD SISTER by Jane Yolen HANDS by Jonathan London 50% CHANCE OF LIGHTNING by Cristina Salat IN THE TUNNELS by William Sleator DANCING BACKWARDS by Marion Dane Bauer It's hard to pick a favorite from this collection, as each story has something different to offer. From allowing everyone in the world to see who is gay, to wondering what it would have been like to have two gay shepherds at the birth of Christ, to manning a booth about gays and lesbians at a school parents' night, each short story has an engaging story to tell. The only thing that would make this book better is to have a part two--another AM I BLUE? published in 2006 with some of today's best GLBT authors like Julie Anne Peters, Brent Hartinger, David Levithan, and more. |
