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.

Ask the Passengers

Title: Ask The Passenger
Author: A.S. King
Published: Oct 2012
ISBN: 9780316194686
Price: 17.99
Genre: realistic fiction, GLBT
Reading Level: 8th grade 
Interest Level: 10-12th grade
Awards: 
Plot Summary: Astrid Jones hates living in her small town. Years ago Astrid's mother decided to move them from New York City to Unity Valley into their mother's childhood home. Astrid's mother is too busy working from home or being best friends with Astrid's younger sister, Ellis, to care much about Astrid. Astrid's father is just trying to survive Astrid's mom and spends most his time getting high in the garage. So Astrid spends her time laying on the picnic table in the backyard staring up at the planes overhead. Astrid sends all her love to the passengers flying overhead. She knows that they can't reject her love or love her back, instead she can just send all her love to them. In school she spends time with her friend's, the school couple, Kristina and Justin. Everyone thinks Kristina and Justin are the cutest couple but Astrid holds on to their secret. Astrid also has another secret, one that she isn't even sure herself. Astrid might be gay, and even though she enjoys kissing Dee, the girl she works with, she still isn't sure if she's gay. Astrid struggles to find her identity, to feel like she is loved. Instead Astrid would rather send her love to strangers, because at least they won't reject her.
Review: A.S. King has an amazing talent of writing characters that feel raw and honest. Astrid Jones is one of these honest characters. I felt like I got to know all of Astrid's fears and feelings and that she felt like a real person. Astrid's struggles to love herself or feel like she is loved. When you see how Astrid's mom treats her you can see why Astrid might struggle with acceptance. The part of the story I think that is the most honest and well written is Astrid's struggle with her sexuality. Often times books with gay teens have them knowing they are gay since they were young, where Astrid isn't sure. Even when confronted about being in love with a girl Astrid can't say she's gay. Astrid doesn't want to put herself into a box or to label herself, she just wants to be Astrid. She asks a lot of honest questions about sexuality and what it means. This story focuses on love and acceptance and what it all means. By the end of the story you can't help feeling like staring up at planes and send your love to passengers.
Reader's Annotation: Astrid sometimes feels like she isn't loved so she gives her love away. Astrid sends her love to the passengers in the planes that fly overhead.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: This story is so very honest about love and acceptance and relationships. Astrid struggles to love herself and to feel love from those around her. Readers will connect with Astrid's honesty. Teens that may be confused about their sexuality will find comfort in Astrid's personal struggle. Her family isn't exactly the most accepting about her possibly being a lesbian, especially her sister who feels her reputation has been ruined. The story also deals with gossip, especially in a small town, and how hurtful the words of others can be. An aspect of the story that I also think is useful is that Astrid doesn't just engage in sex without thought. She actually stops her girlfriend Dee many times and they talk about dealing with being ready to have sex. I think teens need to see that you should have a discussion about having sex with your partner, unlike in most books where it just happens is seems without much thought or discussion.
Issues: The main issue is that of Astrid's sexuality and the other gay teens in the story. You have Kristina and Justin who are pretending to be together but are both gay and use their relationship as cover. There is some people in the town who are quite negative about the gay community and the terms used can be upsetting to some. There is also some sexual scenes between Astrid and her girlfriend. The story also includes teen drinking and lying to get into a gay club. While there isn't a lot of foul language there is some, there is one particular scene when Astrid finally comes out by screaming the f-word and announcing she is gay at school.
Book Talk Ideas: Some of the most powerful parts in the book are the reactions by the passengers when Astrid sends her love to them in the plane. The passengers feel a sudden feeling of love. For the book talk I would start by reading one of these passages out loud and then talking about Astrid's way of sending love to strangers because she doesn't feel loved.
Main Themes: sexual identity, love, relationships, family, small towns
Read-alikes: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Author Website: http://www.as-king.com/
Professional Reviews:  Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why this book was chosen: I have been a fan of A.S. King since Please Ignore Vera Dietz. I really enjoy how her stories are very character driven and emotional. I think she rights in a way that appeals to fans of Sarah Dessen and John Green. When I heard that she had written a book about a girl who was struggling with her sexuality I knew I had to read it because I knew she would handle the topic very well. 

Boy Meets Boy

Title: Boy Meets Boy 
Author: David Levithan
Published: Sept., 2003
ISBN: 9780375832994
Pages: 185
Price: $8.95
Reading Level: 7th grade
Reading Interest: 8th grade and up
Genre: Romance, Fiction, LGBTQ
Awards: Lambda Literary Foundation Award (2003), ALA's Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults (2004)
Plot Summary: Paul is a gay high school sophomore who attends a high school like no other. For one thing Paul's high school has a transvestite quarterback named Infinite Darlene. And when the Boy Scouts wouldn't accepting gay members his town formed the Joy Scouts instead. Then enters Noah who is new to the school and Paul falls for him but high school is complicated and relationships aren't easy. Paul struggles to balance his new relationship as well as heal an old one with his ex-boyfriend, Kyle who had spread rumors about Paul after their breakup. To make matters worse, Paul's best friend Joni is barely speaking to him and spends all her time with her jerk boyfriend Chuck. Then there is Paul's gay friend Tony who is struggling to deal with his ultraconservative parents who don't approve oh his gay lifestyle. Can Paul balance all his relationships and still keep Noah?
Review: Boy Meets Boy is a very sweet love story that just happens to feature two teenage boys. The fact that they are gay is just a detail of the story rather than the focus. Instead the book really focuses on relationships like the one between Paul and Noah as well as the other relationships that Paul has with his friends and family. It explores the ups and downs of relationships with all their complications. The book really highlights that no matter what kind of relationship whether romantic, gay or straight they all have problems and all people go through similar problems in their own life. Levithan really makes Paul's issues very relatable and shows that gay teens struggle through many of the same problems as straight teens, it in a way helps normalizes the gay lifestyle. It's refreshing to see a book not focus so much on the issues of being gay but rather just the issues of being a teenager and managing relationships with people. This could really help teens who are may be gay realize that they aren't that different from their straight friends, that they are in deed normal.
Reader's Annotation: Paul is your typical high schooler well if you don't include his transvestite quarterback friend Infinite Darlene, but at Paul's high school Infinite Darlene is pretty typical. Paul falls for Noah, a new student but seems aren't always as easy as it seems. When Paul's ex boyfriend tries to get him back Noah isn't too thrilled. Will Paul loose Noah or can he some how balance his relationships and still get through high school?
Book Talk Ideas: For the book talk I think focusing more on the relationships is important. Some teens might get hung up on that it's two boys rather than it's a love story between two people. So I think it's important to put the focus on the relationship end. Like Paul's relationship with his ex, with his best friend who is drifting away and his new relationship with Paul. Teens will relate to that whether they are gay or straight.
Issues Present: Any book that features a gay relationship is sure to upset some people who find objections the the gay lifestyle. They may feel the story normalizes the gay lifestyle and that it is some how part of a "gay agenda".
Main Themes: sexuality, LGBTQ, relationships, romance, friendship
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: The book provides gay teens with a very pleasant and fun romance that doesn't get bogged down with negative reactions over the characters sexuality. Paul is very confident and comfortable with himself and he may help teens who are struggling with their sexuality feel more comfortable with who they are. Overall the story is helpful because it depicts gay relationships in a positive light and both straight and gay teen teens can relate to the relationship ups and downs that Paul goes through throughout the story.
Read alikes: Tale of Two Summers by Brian Sloan, The Straight Road to Kylie by Medina Nico
Author Website: http://www.davidlevithan.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why Choose this book? The book represents a gay high school relationship and shows that it is much like a straight relationship. It can help teens who are gay feel more accepted and normal with their relationships because they are being represented in a positive light in literature. Also, David Levithan wrote a great book that is enjoyable to read and teens looking for a romance will enjoy the love story he has created.

Looking For Alaska

Title: Looking for Alaska

Author: John Green

Publication info: March, 2006

ISBN: 0142402516

Pages: 221

Price: $15.99

Reading Level: 10th grade

Reading Interest: 9th grade and up

Genre: realistic fiction

Awards: Printz Honor, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, ALA's Top Ten Books for Young Adults, Booklist Editor's Choice, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

Plot Summary: The story exists in two parts: before and after. The before is the story of Miles, who lacks friends and anything very exciting except for his obsession with people's last words. He enrolls in a boarding school in Alabama where he meets Alaska Young. Alaska is beautiful, quirky and unbalanced and Miles falls for her. The before story focuses on how Miles who has never had an exciting life is sudden drawn into the crazy and always exciting world of Alaska. Though Alaska's self-destructive is bound to catch up with her and when it does Miles is left to deal with the after.

Critical Review: Looking For Alaska counts downs to an event that you aren't aware of while reading and this countdown stirs interest, what could possible be the after, what is the before? The reader finally discovers that the book is based on the before and after of Alaska's death. The tragedy that rocks Miles world also rocks the reader. Despite Alaska's faults and her destructive behavior she is an enjoyable character. Her quirky behavior adds to her charm. John Green has the ability to write teen characters that are intelligent and full of depth. He also presents real life teen issues in a way that teens find relatable and believable.

Reader's Annotation: When Miles meets Alaska he finds himself attracted to her despite her obvious unstable mental state and destructive pattern. Alaska is the type of girl who drags you into her crazy world and you find yourself not wanting to leave, or at least that's how Miles felt. But when Alaska's destructive behavior reaches it's tipping point will Miles be dragged down with her?

Book talk ideas: Miles is obsessed with people's last words so I think it would be great to introduce the book by quoting some of the famous people's last words mentioned in the book.

Issues Present: The book as many controversial teen activities such as sex, smoking, drinking and foul language.

Main Themes: friendship, romance, loss, death

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Many teens can find Miles and his so called boring and loner life relatable. He falls in love with a girl who is involved with someone else and whose self-destructive behavior leaves Miles heartbroken. The book is a great coming of age book, in which Miles deals with first loves and loss and experimenting with drinking and smoking and other risk taking.

Read alikes: Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard, A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Author Website: http://johngreenbooks.com/

Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews

Publisher's Weekly

Why include this book? The book has received critical praise and John Green is known for not speaking down to teens and writing smart, witty and honest books centered around the lives of teens.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Title: Will Grayson Will Grayson 
Authors: John Green and David Levithan
Published: 2010
ISBN: 0525421580
Pages: 310
Price: $17.99
Genre: Realistic Fiction, LGBTQ
Reading Level: 10th grade
Reading Interest: 10th grade and up
Awards: YALSA's Best Fiction for Young Adults (2011), Children's Choice Book Award Nominee for Teen Choice Book of the Year (2011)
Plot Summary: The story focuses on two high school boys named Will Grayson. One Will Grayson is a straight wallflower who tries to get through life by talking as little as possible. Will Grayson believes the more you can blend in the better. Though having your best friend be a giant, loud, flamboyant gay guy name Tiny who often breaks out in song isn't helping Will Grayson keep a low profile. Then there is the other Will Grayson. Will Grayson is also a bit of loner, who spends most of his days struggling with his depression. The only things he looks forward to is talk to a guy namedIsaac online. Will Grayson is gay but has never told anyone. Then one night the two Will Grayson's cross paths outside a porn store in downtown Chicago and their lives are never the same. Can both of them learn to stop out from the shadows and live life or will they both be content to watch things from the sidelines.
Critical Review: The story is told in alternating chapters, going between the two Will Grayson's. John Green is the voice of straight Will Grayson, while David Levithan is the voice of gay Will Grayson. Both characters have a distinct voice and Levithan write's his Will Grayson with no capitalization. This I think helps convey the idea his Will Grayson lives life in a constant feeling of just trying to get by. He is on a number of medicines to battle his depression and the side effect is that he almost seems to never have any emotion, good or bad.The other Will Grayson, told by John Green, is a character who would rather just stay on the sidelines. But this isn't always possible due to his friendship with Tiny, who is always the center of attention. Tiny is one of my favorite characters in the story. He's honest, hilarious and larger than life and when presented next to wallflower Will Grayson he is even more outrageous. His character could have easily been cartoonish or a stereotypically flamboyant gay man but John Green and David Levithan manage to make Tiny believable and very likable. The story moves quickly and the characters deliver humor and honest in a fun and easy read.
Reader's Annotation: The last thing high schooler Will Grayson expected to find in a porn store in downtown Chicago is another high schooler named Will Grayson. But that is exactly what happens. Now their lives seems to be overlapping due to the one Will Grayson's openly gay and flamboyant friend Tiny who is everything but tiny and his musical. But when both Will Grayson's are trying to stay out of the limelight how will they deal with Tiny suddenly thrusting them both into it?
Book Talk Ideas: For this book talk it would be great to represent both voices of Will Grayson with either two people doing the book talk or at least two separate view points. The focus should be on how these two lives intercept and seem to keep meeting up through out the story.
Issues Present: The book has quite a few things that some may take issues with. There is a lot foul language, talk of sex, teens with fake IDs, and there is a big focus on gay teens.
Main Themes: relationships, friendship, homosexuality, sexuality, depression
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: First the book presents gay teens in a way that allows them to be more than just a stereotype. It also shows the complexity of friendship and romantic relationships, whether those be gay or straight. Both Will Grayson's struggle with issues, one with depression and the other with living life on the sidelines. Teens can relate to their struggles and maybe find comfort in their ability to overcome some of the issues they struggle with.
Read alikes: Freak Show by James St. James, Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
Author Website: http://johngreenbooks.com/
http://www.davidlevithan.com/
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Reviews
Publisher's Weekly
Why Chose this Book? Both David Levithan and John Green are popular and critically acclaimed teen authors in their own right. They tend to focus on realistic teen issues and present teens in a way that shows them as emotional, intelligent and complex. This book does a great job of showing how teens interact with both friends and romantic relationships.

Before I Die

Title: Before I Die
Author: Jenny Downham
Publishing Info:  Sept. 2007
ISBN: 0385613466
Pages: 326
Price: $18.99
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: 6th grade
Interest Level: 10th grade and up
Awards: AlA's Teen's Top Ten (2008), ALA's Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults(2008)
Plot Summary:Tessa is dying from leukemia and is given only months to live. So Tessa decides to make a "Before I Die" list with the help of her friend Zoey. The list includes some risky behavior and the number one thing on Tessa's list is to have sex. Tessa's parents are not too thrilled with Tessa's new quest to engage is what they see has negative and risky behavior. Tessa starts a new romance with her neighbor Adam and seems to be living life before it ends. But as Tessa's health starts to deteriorate her list becomes harder to fulfill and the importance of it comes into question as other things become more important.
Critical Review: Jenny Downham gives an honest look at a teenager dying. Because Tessa knows she is going to die she is able to show the emotions that come with facing your death at a young age. Tessa's anger comes across as a real emotion and the book doesn't seem contrived or overly sappy. The idea of Tessa creating a bucket list really helps drive the story and reflects what is important to Tessa. Risk taking and many of the things on Tessa's list are considered rights of passage for many teens and the story shows how much Tessa wants to experience all these things despite the consequences. As Tessa's health really starts to fail you start to struggle with the idea that you will loose Tessa. Even though the book doesn't hid the fact that the main character is facing death it is still emotional when the time comes. It is an ending that has you crying and leaves you emotional after it is over.
Reader's Annotation: Tessa's battle with cancer is ending with the news that she only has months to live. Tessa decides that she must live life in the short amount of time she has left and she compiles a "Before I Die' list. Though, her list is full of risky behaviors and as her health fails will Tessa be able to finish her list or will somethings be left undone.
Book Talk Ideas: The book talk could center around Tessa's obsession with marking things off her bucket list despite some of those things not being the best thing for Tessa.
Issues: The book deals with Tessa engaging in risk taking behaviors including drinking, drugs and sex.
Main themes: Cancer, death, sexuality, friendship, family
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: The story will help teens deal with death and loss. It gives a very honesty look at a dying teen and her emotions. The idea of death at such a young age can be very difficult and many books may not have the honesty that Downham delivers in her story.
Read alikes: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Author Website: http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/authors/jenny-downham
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why Include this book? The book deals with themes of death, family relationships, sickness and dealing with loss.

Crank

Title: Crank
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Published: Oct 2004
ISBN: 9780689865190
Page number: 537
Price: $6.99
Genre: story in verse, realistic fiction
Reading Level: 8th grade
Interest Level: 8th grade and up
Awards: Abraham Lincoln Award (2009)
Plot Summary: Crank is the story of a teenage girl name Kristina, who loses herself to her alter ego Bree and the world of meth. Kristina goes to visit her father who hasn't been a part of her life after her parents divorced. Her mother reluctantly allows her to visit her father and Kristina soon learns that her father is still the alcoholic druggie that her mother divorced. Kristina starts calling herself Bree and falls for a troubled boy in her father's apartment building. Her decent into meth is fast and soon "Bree" finds herself hooked on the monster she calls crank. Kristina returns home a different person and it isn't long before she finds a new group of friends that help feed her addiction. Bree has taken over and it seems that Kristina is no more. But as her world starts to fall apart and her mother becomes worried will Kristina finally turn her back on the monster or will she continue her downward spiral.
Review: The story is told in verse, which at first can be difficult to follow. But it doesn't take long to adjust to the style of writing. The writing style actual helps reflect the stream of conscience of Kristina which is often jumbled and scattered as she falls further into addiction. The story itself is a gritty and honest look at meth addiction. Kristina is what seems to be a very typical teenager who falls into the wrong crowd. She isn't a teen living in poverty but rather has a supportive mother and all her basic needs are filled. This makes Kristina's fall even more bleak because she gives up so much for her addiction. As Kristina become more addicted an engages in more risky behavior the reader finds themselves engrossed in her life hoping for a happy ending. By the end of the story the reader is left with the reality of how meth can change your life forever, which in Kristina's case she finds herself pregnant and dealing with withdraw.
Reader's Annotation: Kristina was a good girl, always did as she was told. But then Bree came along and took over. Bree may look just like Kristina, but Bree has invited the monster in; meth. Kristina will never be the same because once you let the monster in, it may never leave.
Issues: The book deals with drug use, addiction, drinking, sex, rape, teenage pregnancy and foul language.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: The book is an honest reflection of the very real problem of meth addiction. It shows just how quickly and easily a smart teenager girl from the middle class can fall victim to meth. I think that often people associate drugs with poverty, but in Kristina's case she was very well taken care of. Her story is not sugar coated as she lies, steals and falls prey to rape in order to feed the monster. For teens dealing with addiction, either personally or with a family member or friend, the story is one they can relate to. It can help bring awareness to the issue of drug addiction among teens.
Book Talk Ideas: The book talk should reflect the style of the writing, so perhaps a book talk in verse or stream of conscience.
Genre: books in verse, realistic fiction
Main Themes: drug addiction
Read-alikes: Beneath a Meth Moon by Jacqueline Woodson
Author Website: http://ellenhopkins.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why this book was chosen: The book is highly controversial and very popular. At my library it is often stolen or checked out and never returned. The story connects with many teens and has huge appeal to reluctant readers due to its quick and tumultuous storyline. 

Boy Toy

Title: Boy Toy
Author: Barry Lyga
Published: 2007
ISBN: 9780618723935
Page number: 410
Price: $17.99
Genre: realistic fiction
Reading Level: 6th grade
Interest Level: 10-12 grade
Awards: N/A
Plot Summary: Josh Mendel is not your typical high school senior. Josh was sexually molested five years ago by his middle school history teacher. Even though Josh's identity was suppose to be kept secret everyone knows what happened to him. Now, five years later the teacher that molested him is being released from jail and Josh is still not able to deal with his past. He is haunted by "flickers" of his past as well as the guilt of what happened and what he believes he did. Will Josh every be able to move on or will his past haunt him forever?
Review: Barry Lyga tells a difficult story, but one that often isn't told. Sadly, the story, while fictional is reflective of real life events. Though rarely is this story told in teen fiction. Lyga's story gives voice to a male victim of sexual molestation which is rare in teen fiction. The story deals with a lot of difficult emotions that one feels if they are the victim of sexual molestation. Josh sees himself at fault for what happened despite only being 12 at the time. The flickers give glimpses of what happened to Josh but it isn't until the full flashbacks that the reader knows the whole story of Josh's past and why he struggles so much with the present.
Reader's Annotation: Josh never imagined that his crush on his 7th grade teacher would turn into a secret relationship. His teacher was married and Josh was only 12 but that's what happend and then everything fell apart when his secret came out. It's now 5 years later and Josh still can't seem to put his past behind him especially when his former teacher is about to be released from prison.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: Boy Toy shows the complete emotions that come with being sexual molested; guilt, humiliation, depression, and anger. Victims of molestation can relate to Josh's struggles and emotions and perhaps gain some closure by watching Josh slowly heal and overcome his trauma. I also think the story allows people to have a better understanding of molestation victims and the complex emotions they have to deal with over their ordeal. 
Issues: Sexual situations, language, violence
Book Talk Ideas: The story has a kind of ripped from the headlines type feel so the book talk could relate to an actual event that has happened.
Genre: realistic fiction
Main Themes: sexual molestation, guilt, anger, sexuality, relationships
Read-alikes: Heat by Mike Lupica and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher
Author Website: http://barrylyga.com/
Professional Reviews: Kirkus Review
Publisher's Weekly
Why this book was chosen: The story not only discusses sexual molestation but the difference between sex and love and how often the two get confused.