#12--Inexcusable

Bibliographic Information

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch. Atheneum Books for Young Readers. (2005).

Price: $16.95 for hardback

Pages: 176 for hardback

Plot Summary

Keir Sarafian is a good guy who plays by the rules. Isn’t his father proud of him? Doesn’t he make decent grades and kick the football well enough to get a college scholarship? Aren’t his coaches supportive of him when an accident occurs on the field? Okay, so he permanently injured another player—but that was an accident. Okay, so he takes the occasional hit of cocaine—but so do lots of guys. Okay, so he might have made some guys strip naked and held their heads under water—but it was all in good fun. Okay, so he may have been involved in a serious act of vandalism—but some other guys must have been involved because they never would have wrecked the town that way. And okay, he might have had sex with Gigi Boudakian without her permission—but he loved her. Keir’s a good guy, right? And good guys aren’t vindictive vandals who rape women. They just aren’t, okay?

Critical Evaluation

Inexcusable provides a riveting look into the mind of a teen rapist. As such, it reads quickly and just like watching a train wreck about to happen readers will not be able to look away as Keir justifies not only the rape he committed but the other questionable choices he has made throughout his senior year. From early on, readers will suspect that Keir is deluding himself as he constantly reaches out to readers for reassurance. Their suspicions will be quickly confirmed as they begin to piece together the reality of Keir’s life that he so studiously avoids—his father’s alcoholism, his own use of drugs, and his acceptance of some jocks’ violent tendencies among others. Perhaps one of the most powerful parts of the novel is readers’ responses to Keir. You want to like him and feel sorry for him. After all, in some ways he really does sound like a good guy that is committed to his family. As he explains it himself, he loves his father and sisters and loves playing Risk with his dad. Life is full of difficult decisions and everyone is bound to make some poor ones. But in feeling sympathy for Keir readers will question their own values especially when they begin to learn more and more about his choices in life particularly in how he chooses to see Gigi. As a result, some readers will feel confused and sickened that they can simultaneously feel sympathy and revulsion for Keir. Certainly the darkest truth to be gained from the novel is that there are no doubt many Keirs currently in the world—teens who believe that what they did couldn’t possibly be wrong because they had the right intentions. This book is sure to spark many discussions about rape, honesty, and a parent’s responsibility.  

Reader’s Annotation

Keir Sarafian insists that he is a good guy and good guys just don’t rape girls. Right?

About the Author

Splitting his time between Massachusetts and Scotland, young adult author Chris Lynch not only writes books but teaches at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the MFA program. He has two children both of whom are in college.

To learn more about Chris Lynch visit his author profile here.

Genre

Realistic fiction, Sports story

Readalikes

You by Charles Benoit

·         Another YA author with an unreliable narrator who was involved in something awful

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

·         A rape story told from the perspective of the victim.

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

·         Another story told from the first person perspective of an unreliable narrator

Tags

12^th grade, alcoholic father, football, older sisters, rape, Risk, senior in high school, single father, soccer

Awards Won/Lists On

2005—National Book Award Finalist in Young People’s Literature

2005—School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

2006—ALA Best Books for Young Adults

2010—Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award Nominee

Professional Reviews

Booklist  (starred review)

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

School Library Journal (starred review)

The Horn Book Review (starred review)

Booktalk Ideas

Introduction to the situation (1-3)

This is what is inexcusable:

·         Being lazy in your sports game (17)

·         Not understanding the spirit of the thing (47)

·         Being absent at your younger brother’s graduation (87)

It Wasn’t Rape

·         I am not a monster (4-5)

·         It was a miscommunication (23-24)

·         No one is innocent (161-62)

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness

This novel could be used to discuss why rape is not okay. It could also be used to help rapists understand the import of their actions and to help them heal.

Reading Level/Interest Level

Reading Level: 5^th grade

Interest Level: 9^th-12^th grade

These levels are according to AR Bookfinder

Challenge Issues

This book includes the following potentially controversial elements:

·         Alcoholic father

·         Hazing

·         Illegal drug use

·         Lord’s name in vain

·         Masturbation

·         Profanity

·         Rape

·         Single father

·         Underage drinking

·         Vandalism

Librarians can point out that while this book can be disturbing to read it can help readers gain insight into how rape is justified which can help readers learn how to refute such arguments.

Why Was This Included?

I included this book because I was quite curious to see rape portrayed from the abuser’s viewpoint.

#13--The First Part Last

Bibliographic Information

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. (2010)

Price: $7.99 for paperback

Pages: 144 for paperback

Note: This was first published in 2003.

Plot Summary

The last thing Bobby expected to be told on his sixteenth birthday was that he was going to be a father but when his girlfriend Nia delivers the news he knows that it’s time to grow up. As Nia progresses in her pregnancy Bobby struggles with the transition from a relatively carefree life to one that will be filled with sleepless nights and heavy responsibilities. However, even though Bobby is scared about becoming a father he knows that he wants to keep his baby something that Nia is not sure about. But when things take a turn for the worse Bobby must make a series of difficult decisions that will change his life forever.

Critical Evaluation

Powerful and true, The First Part Last finally gives a voice to teenage fathers something that is often missing in young adult fiction. Readers will root for Bobby as he struggles to care for his baby while wondering why Nia is absent. In fact, for most of the story readers will feel her absence and fly through the pages looking for an explanation all with a sense of dread, knowing that eventually Johnson will explain why and how Nia disappeared and it is likely not to be pleasant. This is not the only plot point that will leave readers thinking long after they finish the book; readers will also wonder which of Bobby’s parents is the most supportive in his attempt to be a good father. His mother seems to favor the “tough love” approach while his father nurtures him through multiple kind gestures. All in all this novella will be appreciated by most readers as it features realistic characters, complex themes, and tough decisions that many teens have had to make in their own lives. It is easy to see how it won both the Printz and Coretta Scott King awards.

Reader’s Annotation

Sixteen-year-old Bobby must learn how to become a good father when his girlfriend informs him that she is pregnant.

About the Author

Angela Johnson is an accomplished author who has written more than forty books for children and teens. Diverse in her craft she has penned picture books, novellas, novels, short stories, and poetry while winning multiple prestigious awards including the 2013 Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, the 2004 Printz Award, and multiple Coretta Scott King awards. She currently lives in Kent, Ohio.

Learn more about Angela Johnson at her website here.

Genre

Mystery, Realistic fiction

Readalikes

Heaven and Sweet, Hereafter by Angela Johson

·         The first and third books in the trilogy which The First Part Last is a part of. All the stories can be read as stand-alone novels however each book features a person who moves/lives in Heaven, Ohio.

Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman

·         Also about a teen guy whose former girlfriend reveals that she is preganant.

Hanging On to Max by Margaret Bechard

·         Also about a teen guy who decides he wants to keep his baby.

Tags

Babies, brothers, fatherhood, graffiti art, New York, Ohio, parenting, responsibility, teen pregnancy

Awards Won/Lists On

2004—ALA Best Books for Young Adults

2004—ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers—Top Ten

2004—Coretta Scott King Award Winner

2004—Printz Award Winner

2005-2006—South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominee

2006—Abraham Lincoln Illinois high School Book Award Nominee

2006-2007—Iowa Teen Award Nominee

2008—ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults

Professional Reviews

Booklist (starred review)

Common Sense Media

Kirkus Reviews

Note: Kirkus lists this as a book appropriate for 19-20 year olds which is puzzling as it is about a 16 year old.

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

School Library Journal (starred review)

Booktalk Ideas

What It Means to Be a Father

·         Feather is like a Kitten speech (8)

·         The Rules (14)

·         List of things in diaper bag  (16)

·         I Feel Old (81-82)

·         Keeping Feather (116-118) although this has spoilers….

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness

This book could be used to help reassure teen fathers. It could also be used for those who are struggling with their decision to keep their babies.

Reading Level/Interest Level

Reading Level: 4^th grade

Interest Level: 9^th-12^th grade

These levels are according to AR Bookfinder

Challenge Issues

This book includes the following potentially controversial elements:

·         16 year old father

·         Condom use

·         Decision to keep baby instead of letting her be adopted

·         Divorced parents

·         Graffiti artist

·         Singer dad

·         Talk about sex

·         Teen pregnancy

·         Tough love mother

Librarians can point out that while this book can be controversial its main message is that it is important to be a good father to your child something that is not easy. It also points out that fathers love their babies just as much as mothers do.

Why Was This Included?

I included this because it won the Printz and because I had never read a story about teen pregnancy from a male perspective.

#14--Boy Meets Boy

Bibliographic Information

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan. Alfred A. Knopf. (2003).

Price: $8.99 for paperback

Pages: 185 for paperback

Note: This novel was first published in 2005.

Plot Summary

While Paul wishes he could have a boyfriend he values his close friendships with Tony and Joni while appreciating his loving family. He is especially grateful that he doesn’t have to hide his sexual orientation like Tony or has a penchant for dating jerks like Joni. However, once he meets Noah, the guy of his dreams, Paul’s life quickly becomes complicated. Suddenly Paul’s former boyfriend wants to make up with him only Paul is now dating Noah who was once in a bad relationship himself. The school’s rumor mill has it that Tony and Paul are an item even though they are not and everyone seems to be betting on Paul botching up all his relationships and remaining loveless in life. Can Paul convince Noah that he’s in love with him while still remaining friends with Tony and Kyle?

Critical Evaluation

A lyrical novel that readers have described as part realistic fiction, part fantasy Boy Meets Boy imagines a world where most people accept each other regardless of age or sexual orientation. Obscure bands finally get the recognition they deserve, the homecoming queen can also be the high school quarterback, and young punks can be friends with older drag queens. While Levithan’s world may seem ideal he includes enough details within it so that readers will find characters relatable. There are still some who use sexual slurs, boyfriends who emotionally abuse their significant others, and an active school rumor mill. Main character Paul is not perfect although he may be secure in his sexual orientation. He must navigate his school’s social scene and his complicated love life just like many teens do today. Of course, the best part of Boy Meets Boy is Levithan’s mastery of descriptive writing which is present throughout the novel particularly in Paul’s introspective moments such as the scene where he attempts to paint music. Ultimately, this novel is a work of art filled with beautiful descriptions, thought provoking one liners, and relatable characters that readers will love.

Reader’s Annotation

Paul thinks he’s met the boy of his dreams but things quickly become complicated when his former boyfriend wants to get back together again.

About the Author

Author of fourteen novels, four of which are collaborations with other authors, David Levithan is a well-known author for young adults. Boy Meets Boy, Levithan’s first novel, was written partly because of his experience as an editor. He had always wished to encounter a novel with gay characters that were not stereotypical. As a result, he penned Boy Meets Boy and the rest is history. He is currently working on a collaborative novel with Andrea Cremer entitled Invisibility as well as another novel entitled Two Boys Kissing.

Learn more about David Levithan here.

Genre

LGBTQ literature, Realistic fiction

Readalikes

How They Met and Other Stories by David Levithan

·         Eighteen short stories about love

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

·         A coming-of-age story about a gay freshman in high school

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan

·         Two teens named Will Grayson meet each unexpectedly.

Tags

Abusive boyfriend, coming of age, coming out, dating, drag queens, friendship, identity, LGBTQ, romance

Tags are complements of LibraryThing here.

Awards Won/Lists On

2003—BCCB Blue Ribbon Book

2003—Lambda Literary Award

2004—ALA Best Books for Young Adults

2004—ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

2006—ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults

2008—Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award Nominee

Professional Reviews

Book Links

Booklist

The Guardian

The Horn Book

• Boy Meets Boy is mentioned in this article on coming-out novels.

Kirkus Reviews

• Note that Kirkus labels this as a book appropriate for 19-20 year olds.

Lambda Book Report

Library Media Connection

Publishers Weekly

School Library Journal

VOYA

Booktalk Ideas

Read some of the beautifully written excerpts

·         Feeling bad (53)

·         Proclaiming a beginning (69)

·         Painting Music chapter (44-51)

What the World Could Be Like

·         “More than anything in this strange life, I want Tony to be happy. We found out a long time ago that we weren’t meant to fall in love with each other. But a part of me still fell in hope with him. I want a fair world. And in a fair world, Tony would shine” (5)

·         Intergenerational relationships (69)

·         Everyone despite sexual orientation is accepted in this town. People look past others’ sexual orientation

Relationships are Difficult & Complex

·         “I wonder if it’s possible to start a new relationship without hurting someone else. I wonder if it’s possible to have happiness without it being at someone else’s expense” (59)

·         Joni & Ted à Joni & Chuck

·         Paul & Tony = friendship

·         Paul & Kyle = together and not

·         Paul & Noah = could they be together?

·         “Sometimes the space between knowing what to do and actually doing it is a very short walk. Other times it is an impossible expanse” (114).

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness

This book could be used by LGBTQ teens with parents that cannot accept their teen’s sexual orientation. It could also be used by those who have been bullied by their peers for being different. Boy Meets Boy can help them imagine a different world.

Reading Level/Interest Level

Reading Level: 4^th grade

Interest Level: 9^th-12^th grade

These levels are according to AR Bookfinder

Challenge Issues

This book includes the following potentially controversial elements:

·         Abusive boyfriend

·         Denial of God

·         Drag queen is the homecoming queen

·         Homosexual slurs

·         Intolerant parents

·         One character’s opinion that all religions are the same

·         Skewing the Bible

·         Town’s acceptance of all sexual orientations

Librarians can point out that while some may object to this book it can spark great discussions about what the world is like today and how it could be in the future. Additionally it could be used to discuss sexual orientations and teens’ relationships with their parents.

Why Was This Included?

This book was required for class but I was excited to read it as it imagines a world where one’s sexual orientation doesn’t create controversy.