This book is precious. Just really precious. I don't know why that's the right word for it, but it is. It is such a sweet, specific love story, but it's also about finding ourselves, discovering our identities and learning how to love and be loved. And to top it all off, its about two young Latino boys who all this is happening to.
The book takes place in 1987 in Texas so we have the context of teens in gangs, rampant homophobia and cultural stereotypes that circle the characters and the story line. Because the characters feel so timely and exist within their own bubble, I sometimes forgot that this book took place in the past.
I don't want to give away much more than that, but as you can see, it's been on almost every single award list, so give it a try.
Intended reading level: YA (High school level, mature 8th grade)
Questions to the Readers:
Have you ever felt you were in love with someone? How did you feel when you were in love? Was it reciprocated? Have you ever felt love for someone but was too afraid to tell them? Where did that fear come from?
Read-alikes:
Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
Compare this book to Openly Straight
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