Boy Meets Boy
by David Levithan
Assignment: #9 of narrative annotations
Publication info.: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003. 185 p.
Genre & Format: Contemporary Fiction; Novel
Awards/Reviews: Everybody has reviewed it.
Grades: 8 and up
Summary: Paul leads us through this utopian community where the gay population is rarely slighted or hurt for being gay, just for being teenagers. Paul is a sophomore in love with Noah, who is a senior. It could go smoothly, but Paul’s ex Kyle pops back on the radar. To add to it, his best pal Joni has unfriended him in favor of her new boyfriend. The lineup wouldn’t be complete without Infinite Darlene, the transsexual quarterback/prom queen—she’s one tough drama queen. It would seem like his life is on the rocks, but nobody has it worse than Tony, whose ultraconservative parents refuse to acknowledge his gay proclivities. All of these characters work through high school in the end in this funny and sensitive romance.
Comments: As with Levithan’s other books that focus on gay relationships, very little has to do with being gay (with the exception of dealing with parents), rather the focus is on how to be successful in a relationship. I got a kick out of it, and could see how there are plenty of characters/situations for kids to identify with.
Booktalking ideas: I would start by describing how immediately wonderful Paul feels about Noah, without really giving away that it is a boy falling for a boy. Try to relate the relationship, not the sexual orientation first.
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