GLBT-RT

Ewert, Marcus, and Rex Ray. 10,000 Dresses. New York: Seven Stories Press, 2008. hardcover. 32p. $14.95. ISBN: 9781583228500.

Every night young Bailey dreams about dresses, one on each step of an endless staircase, each dress more beautiful than the last. But when she tells her mother, father, and brother about the dresses, and asks for help in making them, they scold her, saying, "Dresses aren't for boys." Bailey explains that she doesn't feel like a boy, but they each respond that she is and "that's that!" Finally, Bailey finds a friend who is also fascinated with dresses and they begin to create some together.

10,000 Dresses is the first book for children depicting the experience of a child who is transgendered, or at least gender-variant. Bailey's experiences, and the initial reactions of family members, are accurate and realistic, as is the importance of finding an understanding friend. The illustrations are child-friendly and colorful. The story is simple and appropriate for children as young as three or four, and invites discussion between parent and child. Such books are sorely needed, and this one is a real success.

Recommended for all libraries serving youth.

Reviewed by Nancy Silverrod
San Francisco Public Library

Burd, Nick. The Vast Fields of Ordinary. New York: Dial Books, 2009. hardcover. 320 p. $16.99. ISBN: 9780803733404.

Opening on a truly horrendous prom night for our narrator Dade, Nick Burd's first novel, The Vast Fields of Ordinary, never quite lives up to the promise of its vivid first scene: Dade is in the bathroom, hiding from the fact that Pablo, the boy he loves, is currently out on the dance floor with his girlfriend, unwilling to acknowledge their relationship.

Burd's novel takes place over the summer before Dade leaves for college, as he tries to figure out what he wants out of life and a relationship. Most of the narrative deals with Dade's burgeoning relationship with Alex Kincaid, an older boy who is a part-time drug dealer. Pablo, however, becomes angry and aggressive in the face of Dade moving on.

The way Burd depicts Pablo is the true problem here: Pablo becomes a caricature of the tortured closet case. This portrayal is even more uncomfortable when paired alongside Dade and Alex's quite romantic and more healthy relationship. Worse still is Pablo's ultimate fate, which is not only grisly and more likely to be found in a much older and less enlightened book, but used by Dade as a fairly narcissist way to reflect on his life. The real shame is that Burd's writing is superb and artful, he does a great job capturing the feeling of the last summer before college. The rest of the story and characterization, however, just don't work.

Recommended only as a supplemental purchase for libraries with large collections.

Reviewed by Angie Manfredi
Head of Youth Services
Los Alamos County Library System

Harris, Gina. I Kiss Girls. Prizm Books / Torchere Press, 2007/2008. paperback. $13.95. ISBN: 1603703543.

Joanie feels doomed to be the third wheel. Her best friend, Zane, always seems to get the girl, and as far as she can tell, she's the only lesbian at her school. Of course, Joanie is only out to Zane, so even if there were other lesbians, they might not recognize her either.

Everything changes when new girl Kate comes to school, and needs tutoring in math by Joanie and in chemistry by Zane. Both Joanie and Zane end up with crushes on Kate, driving a wedge in their relationship, and when Kate shows interest in Joanie, Zane doesn't take it very well.

But having a girlfriend doesn’t solve all of Joanie’s problems. She's in the closet at home and at school, and Kate isn't and doesn't want to be. When Joanie's parents arrange a prom date for her with a football player, Kate almost breaks things off.

As can be expected, things turn out fine after a few bumps and bruises (some of them literal). A quick and entertaining read, especially for the reluctant reader.

Reviewed by Nancy Silverrod
San Francisco Public Library

Bantle, Lee. David Inside Out. New York, NY: Henry Holt & Co., 2009. hardcover. 192p. $16.99. ISBN: 9781416900399.

In his first novel for young adults, Lee Bantle has created a wholly believable and likable protagonist in David Dahlgren. In a story based on Bantle’s own experience of growing up gay in Minnesota, the book takes David from creating a plan to be straight to accepting his sexuality.

Covering such rites of passage as a disastrous first love (with closeted track teammate Sean) to coming out to a parent, this title is a stand-out in the crowded YA field, a practical, relatable read-alike for the now classic Rainbow Boys. David not only deals with his homosexuality but, in a rare treat, visits a gay bookstore and finds a supportive ear on a gay crisis helpline, gaining a larger sense of community and belonging. His process of coming out to his mother is facilitated by her watching the end of My Beautiful Laundrette with David and his best friend, Eddie, who is also gay. David’s friendship with Eddie is another treat; they draw strength and support from each others' experiences, though at times it is difficult.

While Bantle’s prose is not always elegant, the book has short, readable chapters, a sympathetic narrator in David, and a storyline that readers will be eager to finish.

The book contains significant sexual content, but it’s handled in a mostly nonexplicit way that serves the narrative. Highly recommended for libraries of all sizes as a first purchase.

Reviewed by Angie Manfredi
Head of Youth Services
Los Alamos County Library System