kricketa's review
4.0
reading this for the second time. i got it from the public library when i was in high school. i thought the stories were about depression. instead it became the first piece(s) of gltbq teen fiction i ever read. in light of current events in my hometown, i'm amazed our library even owned this book back in 1998 or whatever. i wish i knew who the teen librarian back then was so i could track her down and hug her. (note to self: do this.)
ANYWAY. this is a terrific selection of stories that holds up pretty well for having been published in 1994. some of them i immediately remembered upon beginning them ('three mondays in july' by giblin, 'parents' night' by nancy garden, 'supper' by newman, and 'dancing backwards' by bauer). others i'm fairly sure i skipped the first time around ('blood sister' by yolen and 'in the tunnels' by sleator.) i skimmed them this time. still didn't like them that much. oh and fun fact: gregory maguire of 'wicked' fame has a really great story in here.
the packaging, alas, is pretty dated. i was the first person to check out the book in quite some time. maybe time to put out a new edition? all in all, really good stuff and great fun to re-read.
ANYWAY. this is a terrific selection of stories that holds up pretty well for having been published in 1994. some of them i immediately remembered upon beginning them ('three mondays in july' by giblin, 'parents' night' by nancy garden, 'supper' by newman, and 'dancing backwards' by bauer). others i'm fairly sure i skipped the first time around ('blood sister' by yolen and 'in the tunnels' by sleator.) i skimmed them this time. still didn't like them that much. oh and fun fact: gregory maguire of 'wicked' fame has a really great story in here.
the packaging, alas, is pretty dated. i was the first person to check out the book in quite some time. maybe time to put out a new edition? all in all, really good stuff and great fun to re-read.
raix's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I wasn't sure what to expect from a gay YA anthology from 1994, in fact I was surprised such a thing had been published. I found the stories just as poignant and moving as modern ones, and not as dated as I expected. There is a good mix of themes, self-discovery, acceptance of others, the experience of having gay family members, the AIDS crisis... and only a few are coming out stories! The anthology features a diverse array of writers, some of whom wrote some of my most beloved childhood books. Although it's an old anthology, I would say it's definitely one to check out!
The introduction states that the editor hopes in 10 years, a specifically gay anthology will not be needed because gay and lesbian characters will be commonplace in children's literature. Well, sadly, in 2004 we hadn't reached that point. Now, nearing 2024, we're at risk of losing what little ground we've gained. But if a book like this was possible in 1994, then we'll certainly keep fighting to make sure it's possible for all the years to come.
The introduction states that the editor hopes in 10 years, a specifically gay anthology will not be needed because gay and lesbian characters will be commonplace in children's literature. Well, sadly, in 2004 we hadn't reached that point. Now, nearing 2024, we're at risk of losing what little ground we've gained. But if a book like this was possible in 1994, then we'll certainly keep fighting to make sure it's possible for all the years to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Death of parent, War, Violence, Sexual content, and Antisemitism
Minor: Medical content and Adult/minor relationship
who_is_using_all_30_characters's review
3.5
reading this felt like looking through a window to another time, where queerness was less visible and normalized. now there is absolutely no bias against queer people. none whatsoever. i particularly liked The Honorary Shepherds by Gregory Macguire
angelreadsthings's review
3.0
3 3/4 Stars. This is one of those collections of which it is very difficult to let go. Finishing this book was like saying goodbye to a dear friend. I never expected that a collection of LGBT stories published almost a decade ago could still ring so true today. Even with the differences between now and then, this book still manages to be extremely relevant. The authors in this collection did a beautiful job of showing that no person is one label, one descriptor, one identity. We are all a collection of intersections. I am so grateful that someone suggested this book to me, and I will forever hold it in a special place of my heart.
majkf's review
4.0
I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but it surprised me nonetheless. The book, as a whole, is very inspiring and touching. A couple of the stories didn’t interest me as a reader and didn’t seem to have very strong LGBTQ themes. I loved the vast array of topics that were covered. Not only coming out and romantic relationships, but also grief, acceptance, discrimination, and questioning. The stories were memorable and meaningful and each very unique. I really enjoyed reading it.
abbeygayle's review against another edition
5.0
on tps list of banned books :( so funny and lighthearted and a huge fu to homophobes
artfury_deb's review
5.0
This book is really good for anyone in the process of coming out or having already come out because we have been in some of the same tight spots as these characters in these stories.
Alot of the authors that are featured in this book are fantastic. It is great to read so many good pieces in one anthology.
Alot of the authors that are featured in this book are fantastic. It is great to read so many good pieces in one anthology.
iffer's review
4.0
Am I Blue? was my first encounter with stories portraying adolescents struggling with their homo- or bi-sexuality. I read it when I was a freshmen in high school, and I immediately began recommending it to my friends, especially those who were GLBTQ, in, or out of the closet. It was a joy to feel their relief at finally reading stories that portrayed them and their struggles.
azazed's review
5.0
I clung to this book as a teen, got it out from the library, hid it from my parents. It made me feel real.