Rainbow Boys

Title: Rainbow Boys
Author: Alex Sanchez
Published: Oct 2001
ISBN:0689841000
Price: 17.00
Genre: realistic fiction, LGBTQ
Reading Level: 3rd grade
Interest Level: 9th-12th grade
Awards: YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 
Plot Summary: The story is told by 3 teen boys; Nelson, Kyle and Jason. Jason is convinced that he is straight, he has a girlfriend who he has sex with so he can't be gay. But then why did Jason show up to a meeting for gay teens and why does he find himself attracted to men. Jason isn't sure what his sexuality is but he isn't ready to risk everything to find out. Kyle on the other hand nows he is gay and he has been in love with Jason since he first met him. Kyle can't believe his luck when who walks into the Rainbow Youth meeting but his huge crush Jason. Could Jason really be gay? Kyle may know that he wants but that doesn't mean he is ready for his family to find out. Kyle is pretty sure his family wouldn't understand, especially his dad. So for now he keeps his sexuality hidden from his parents. Nelson on the other hand is out and proud. His mother heads up a support group for parents of gay youth and always new Nelson was gay and has no problem supporting her sons lifestyle. This doesn't make life any easier for Nelson though. Being an openly gay high school student makes you a prime target for homophobic bullying and harassment. Nelson's biggest issue is that he's in love with his befriend Kyle but Kyle doesn't seem to notice or care. Being a rainbow boy isn't easy but maybe the three of them can make changes in not only themselves but other too.
Review: Sanchez chose to present this story by using the viewpoints of all three boys which great insight into the thoughts and feelings of all three boys. It's interesting to see how the boys all view a situation differently. When Kyle rejects Nelson he doesn't think much of it while for Nelson it's a heartbreaking interaction. The viewpoints also allow for the readers to experience the different struggles of each of the characters. Jason goes through a lot of inner turmoil over his sexuality throughout the story. You also see Kyle's own issues of coming out to his family and having his first gay relationship. Nelson's story line shows the dangers of casual and unprotected sex. While they never really resolve the HIV issue when it comes to Nelson they do talk about the impact especially as Nelson starts dating an HIV positive man. The story doesn't become to dark or preachy but it does present an honest representation of what a gay teen might go through with his family and at school and with his relationships.
Reader's Annotation: Kyle and Nelson see a lot of people at their Rainbow Youth Support Meetings, but they never expected to see Jason; he's a jock and as far as ever knows, straight.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: This story could be supportive to those questioning their sexual identity. The story also shows the issues that gay teens face and it may help to create understanding, empathy and acceptance for other gay youth. The story also addresses important issues about sex and relationships, especially the dangers of unprotected sex. Not many teens books talk about HIV or show how despite being HIV positive a person can still engage in a relationship as long as they are open and safe.
Issues: The books focus on the lives of 3 gay teens will make it a target for censors. There is also sexual scenes, teen drinking and smoking. Others might take offense to Nelson's casual sexual encounter with an older man he barely knows and then his subsequent AIDS scare. The presentation of an HIV positive character in a positive light and also one that engages in a relationship might also bring about controversy. 
Book Talk Ideas: For the book talk I would focus on the relationships of the 3 boys. You have Kyle who is in love with Jason, Jason who wants to like Kyle but is dating a girl and Nelson who wants more than anything for Kyle to see him as more than a friend. Teens can relate to this types of relationship dynamics whether they are straight or gay which makes the story more accesible to all readers.
Main Themes: Identity, LGBTQ, friendship, love, relationships
Read-alikes: Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan 
Author Website: http://www.alexsanchez.com/
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why this book was chosen: This book was groundbreaking when it came out in 2001 because it address the issues that faced many gay youth at that time. While there have been many books released about gay youth since then this book still stands the test of time.