Sanchez, A. (2001). Rainbow Boys. Simon Pulse: New York.
Awards: American Library Association 2001 “Best Book for Young Adults” in 2001
International Reading Association 2003 “Young Adults’ Choice”
New York Public Library 2002 “Book for the Teen Age”
Lambda Literary Award 2001 Finalist
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Blue Ribbon Winner”
Book-of-the-Month Club InsightOutBooks.com selection
Annotation: Sanchez is known for writing about coming of age, love, friendships, and gay, bisexual, and questioning youth. His books have under protest by students, parents, and community leaders to be challenged and banned from schools and reading lists because of their gay, lesbian, and bisexual content.
Review: “Wrap Back to the Title”
Jason is a basketball player, has a girlfriend, and is confused about his sexual orientation. Kyle is on the swim team a friendly easy going guy who knows he is gay but afraid to tell his parents. Nelson is confident about being gay, and lets the world know it. Jason tries to understand his sexual and finds an ad in the newspaper to “Rainbow Youth Hot Line.” He gets up his courage to attend a Rainbow Youth meeting:
“Jason froze. How could he have been so stupid? That little faggot would spread this all over Whitman.
Nelson fingered a wave, like they were best buds, then leaned toward a boy in a baseball cap and whispered something.
Jason blinked. Kyle Meeks? What was he doing here?” (p, 4)
All three boys struggle with their sexual orientation in this coming of age novel and how their decisions to keep being gay a secret or letting the world know. How will letting the world know affects their lives? Read to find out if Jason realizes and admits he is gay and becomes one of the Rainbow Boys.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Design by Paula Winicur
Design by Paula Winicur
