Homo

 

Author: Michael Harris

Bibliographic Info:

Harris, Michael. (2012). Homo. Toronto: James Lorimar &  Company Ltd.

Descriptive Summary:

Will Johnson has the unenviable task of coming out in Chilliwack, BC. It is never easy and Homo charts Will's coming of age and his coming out as he discovers gay culture and online dating, confronts his fears and homophobia and learns to stand up for his friends. Along the way, Will Johnson learns to accept himself.

Evaluative comments with rating:
4/5  TVs - a new Canadian classic

Homo is at is best when dealing with the inner turmoil of its young lead, Will Johnson. Michael Harris captures his voice and inner workings perfectly and creates a likeable young hero struggling to do right by himself and those he loves. Homo hits snags when it comes to dealing with the characterization of its supporting cast - no one is very fully formed and by the conclusion of the novel the reader begins to feel that there's a few dangling plot lines and unresolved conflicts. Homo may be a tad short, but it covers a lot of ground from AIDS and HIV to LGBTQ solidarity to the problems of tolerance.

Suggested Audience (age range): 16-18 (mild language and depictions of sex)

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Realistic, candid, angst-filled, character-driven, issue-oriented

  
Readalikes/Watchalikes: Queer as Folk (tv series), Rainbow Boys - Alex Sanchez, Boy Meets Boy - David Levithan, What They Always Tell Us - Martin Wilson, Bullied - Jeff Erno

Booktalking hook:
What exactly does it mean to tolerate someone's sexuality or orientation? Is the word tolerate a positive thing or a negative thing?

Reason for inclusion: Striking title and familiarity with the publisher.

Category: LGBTQ/Canadian/Series

Pop

Author: Gordon Korman

Bibliographic Info: 

Korman, Gordon. (2009). Pop. Toronto: Scholastic Canada.

Descriptive Summary:

Marcus Jordan moves to a new town and has designs on being named his school's quarterback. In a stroke of luck, he manages to find himself being mentored by former NFL linebacker, Charlie "Pop" Popovich — father of Marcus's chief rival. All isn't quite right with Charlie and his son Troy appears dead set on keeping Charlie away from Marcus. Marcus realizes that Charlie's problem isn't an overprotective son, but Alzheimer's brought on by football injuries. Marcus does his best to help Charlie, but their schemes put them at odds with a family on the edge of heartbreak and tests the limits of their friendship.

Evaluative comments with rating:
3.5/5 TVs - Better than Brian's Song (tv movie), not better than I Am Third (autobiography that it was based on)

Pop is at times a little corny, a little out of date, and a little lacking, but overall it's a sweet and often sad story about a complex issue that affects more than just former NFL players. The hook (former NFLer befriends and mentors young boy) might seem a bit far-fetched, but the issue - what do with a loved one when Alzheimer's sets in - is sadly relateable to many. Not necessarily a Korman classic, but worth a read for teens looking for something realistic and melancholic.

Suggested Audience (age range): 12-18 (all ages)

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Realistic, serious, character driven, bittersweet, moving

Readalikes: Bleachers - John Grisham, The Cardturner - Louis Sachar, Extra Innings - Robert Newton Peck, Stupid Fast - Geoff Herback, Leverage - Joshua C. Cohen

Booktalking hook:

With concussions in sports becoming big news, Pop and its story of a former NFL linebacker battling Alzheimer's brought on by numerous tackles throughout his career is incredibly relevant, especially in light of the deaths of athletes like Junior Seau.

Reason for inclusion: Familiarity with the author’s prior works.

Category: Canadian