Young Adult Literature without Apology
Amy's assessment of contemporary young adult literature, organized by author and title, censored by noone.
Realistic | Romance | Science Fiction | Historical Fiction | Fantasy | Horror | Mystery
Sanchez, Alex (2004). So Hard to Say. NY: Simon and Schuster. 240 pages. ISBN: 0689865643.
Alex Sanchez has made his mark as one of the newer voices in young adult literature and is especially notable for his focus on the coming of age and coming out experiences of male teens. In So Hard to Say, Sanchez introduces us to Frederick, a new student in a California junior high school, who finds himself questioning his sexuality as he is pursued by one of his (female) classmates. Told in the alternating voices of Frederick and Xio (Frederick's would-be girlfriend), we listen in as two teens ponder their developing sexuality and consider their interest in more "mature" romantic relationships.Sanchez gets kudos for situating this typically "mature" subject within the younger environment of junior high and for considering sexual difference outside of sexual practice. This might be a tough one to push in a booktalk, as the age of appeal is younger and these students might be reluctant (or embarrassed) to show interest in a book (or booktalk) about a still taboo subject. Best for one-on-one recommendation or display.
