Metro DC
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Recommended Reading List
2007

FICTIONAL READING

Tale of Two Summers by Brian Sloan.
It's about two best friends living in Wheaton who spend their first summer apart corresponding in a blog about their very different summer romantic adventures (one of them is gay and one straight).
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A Really Nice Prom Mess by Brian Sloan.
A comic novel about an all-night long adventure that begins at the prom but there are issues of coming out and dealing with family that are a part of the story. The book received the prestigious Violet Quill Award for best new LGBT book of 2005.
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The Rising Storm by Ken Seifert.
The Rising Storm is set in the Colorado Mountains where two characters, one gay and one straight, are trapped together during a blizzard and must confront their prejudices, faiths, and pasts. This story was written with the hope that it will join the ongoing conversations about faith, sexuality, isolation, and the human spirit. A particular target audience for the book are those younger persons who struggle with their sexuality and faith.
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Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan.
School Library Journal says: "Levithan's prophecy of a hate-free world in which everyone loves without persecution makes this a provocative and important read for all young adults, gay or straight." This tale of teen love is a wonderful escape to an unfortunately fictional place. (2003) For Ages 13 and Up

Pages for You by Sylvia Brownrigg.
An unsentimental look at the things that we do for love, most especially, first love. The young protagonist, Flannery Jansen, falls in love with her teaching assistant and is taken on a ride of firsts, including first betrayal. (2002) For Ages 16 and Up.

Am I Blue? Coming Out from the Silence by Various Authors.
This book is an assembly of original stories with gay themes written by many popular children's and young adult authors. The creative compilation involves tales about growing up gay, or with gay family members or friends. (1995) For Ages 13 and Up

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson.
Adopted into an evangelical household, protagonist Jeanette and her family must come to terms with her lesbianism. Award-winning gay novelist Winterson tells this semi-autobiographical narrative honestly, innovatively, and with great humor, while staying true to its love story roots. (1997) For Ages 13 and Up

So Hard to Say by Alex Sanchez.
This story alternates narrators between Xio, a bubbly and popular girl, and her friend Frederick, the boy that she wants to be more than friends with. But Frederick finds himself thinking more about soccer boy Victor. As Frederick moves toward self-discovery, both young teens try to balance friendship and love. (2004) For Ages 11 and Up. By the same author: Rainbow High and Rainbow Boys