Boy Girl Boy
by Ron Koertge

    BOY GIRL BOY by Ron Koertge
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  5/1/07
    Publisher:  Harcourt
    Reviewed by:  Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
    Rating:  4 Stars


    Graduation offers the promise of the future, but that same future offers the promise of uncertainty and fear. Three
    friends are about to graduate. They have plans. There are the plans made with the support and dreams of their
    families. There is the secret plan known only to the three of them, of an escape to California. And then, there are
    the separate plans, sometimes made privately, even subconsciously.

    Boy - Larry is smart, but he's also gay.  His friends understand, but others - not so much.  Struggling to be sure he
    really is what he is takes up most of Larry's time and effort.  Maybe California would answer his questions. Maybe
    not …

    Girl - Teresa is a straight student, but she struggles with issues from the past.  She's never totally understood why
    her mother left her.  Doesn't a girl need a mother?  Her father is too busy with his "Tiny Town" hobby project in the
    basement to really understand what she needs.  Her friends understand her pain.  Maybe California would offer her
    a fresh start. Maybe not …

    Boy - Elliot is going to play ball for U of I.  It's his father's dream.  Elliot's dream is being a butcher in his father's
    store.  Since he is not the student that his friends are, the academic side of college scares Elliot.  Maybe going to
    California would take U of I out of the picture. Maybe not …

    Koertge tells his story from alternating viewpoints, allowing readers to see into the minds and fears of the trio. The
    struggle to understand one’s life in the past, present, and future is reflected in Larry, Teresa, and Elliot. There is
    something for everyone in BOY GIRL BOY.