SCET Journal 2020

Broadening Diverse Perspectives

YAL Novel Title

Author

Synopsis

Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Benjamin Alire Saenz Dante and Aristotle are two boys who struggle with friendships, self-explora- tion, and identity. Both Dante and his best friend Aristotle (Ari) struggle navigat- ing their own identities and building strong healthy bonds with others. Through many trials, the boys come to realize they are a perfect fit for one another.

Boyfriends with Girlfriends

Alex Sanchez

Lance, Sergio, Allie, and Kimiko are 4 teens who struggle with the normal stress of adolescence as well as their sexual orientations. Each protagonist has a unique story and a unique struggle but through friendship and under- standing they build strong bonds with one another and explore their identities. Ben Carver is a scholarship student at a preparatory school. He is athletic and captain of the baseball team. Ben might also be in love with a girl and a boy. As the school year passes, Ben makes some difficult choices and embarks on a journey of self-exploration that helps him to understand himself and his sexuality.

Honestly Ben

Bill Konigsberg

How to Make a Wish

Ashley Herring Blake Maggie and Ava both endure more than the average teen: their lives are incon- sistent and often unpredictable. Maggie must work hard to maintain a stable home life while working toward her goals in music and Eva must face her own grief. Together these young women establish a healthy relationship that allows them both to move forward.

Juliet Takes a Breath

Gabby Rivera

Juliet’s recent struggle with coming out to her family has forced her to make some decisions about her life. She chooses to do an internship far from home in the hope that she will be able to explore her identity as a newly out lesbian. Ultimately, she realizes that she may need to head home to tie up loose ends with the family she left behind. Holland and Cece begin to realize that they have undeniable feelings for one another. As their relationship begins to become public at school, they must face ridicule and bullying from their peers. Both Holland and Cece are forced to deal with issues of homophobia and persevere through some difficult times. Rafe Goldberg has everything: supportive family and friends, and a platform to talk about LGBTQ issues. He also struggles with being known as the “gay kid.” Rafe decides he is going to be more than the “gay kid” by going back into the closet at a new school. During his time at his new school, he learns about himself and others as he embarks on his self-exploration with his new best friends. The stories of 8 boys are exposed behind the backdrop of two boys attempting to break a 48-hour kiss record. Each story takes the reader into the social and emotional struggles of individuals and couples as they persevere through the trials of identifying as a gay man. Figure 1. LGBTQ Young Adult Literature with Positive Representations

Keeping You Secret

Julie Anne Peters

Openly Straight

Bill Konigsberg

Two Boys Kissing

David Levithan

2018/2019

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