5 comments about Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself.

1. I work with students challenging them to go beyond themselves to serve their community looking for opportunities to make a difference. There are a number of books out now that demonstrate that it is possible and this generation of young students seem to be interested in thinking beyond their own needs - most of our high school students have been on a mission trip to a foreign country, so their world is much smaller than previous generations. This book is a great read to challenge students to not just think about what they can do to make a difference, but start doing it. Small steps are better than no steps at all. Along with the Harris' twins outstanding book Do Hard Things, this book is one of my more frequently recommended books for my students to read.



2. First, I just want to say that Austin is a great kid, and his compassion for the children of AIDS victims in Africa is amazing and inspiring. I certainly didn't help people like that when I was a kid (unless you count collecting money door to door for the Muscular Dystrophy Association). I love Austin's heart for people. He shot 2070 free throws and raised money to build a school and a clinic in Zambia and changed lives forever with his Hoops for Hope foundation. His story deserves to be told and shared all over the world.
   
   My favorite parts of the book are when Austin talks about how he first saw Maggie on a World Vision TV commercial and how he struggled and sweated his way through the 2070 free throws with crowds cheering every basket. What fun that must have been!
   
   I liked his telling of the story of playing soccer with the Zambian boys in 100 plus degree heat.
   
   Great story, great young man!
   
   My only problem is that the ghost writer's (Todd Hillard) hand is a little too prominent. Large portions of the book read like purpose driven sermons that have been placed in Austin's mouth (the ghostwriter is a preacher). I have graded enough junior high papers to know that kids don't talk like this!
   
   For example: "Maggie moments can be big, or they can be small, but they change us forever. They wake us up and tell us that there is a new kind of life waiting for us. They make us ask difficult questions and cause us to face painful realities." (pages 8-9). Great stuff, but this is not the voice of a teen, this is the voice of a seasoned preacher. The whole book is like this.
   
   Also, the book is filled with sage sayings, memorable maxims (like "Keep the faith, keep the focus, keep first things first."), good pastoral counsel, and familiar Saddleback, Rick Warren style fare. This makes the book a tad disingenuous and a little too slick and polished, almost like purpose driven propaganda.
   
   But the story is great, and most people won't notice or care that this is a purpose driven book in disguise. Thumbs up.



3. Take Your Best Shot"- a book review
   "Take Your Best Shot"
   By Austin Gutwein (with Todd Hillard)
   The topic of this book immediately grabs your attention- the caring attitude of a nine year old boy makes a difference throughout the world!! When Austin was at this young age, he first saw a short video of a little girl, Maggie, who lived in Zambia, with her great grandmother- all of her other relatives had died of AIDS!! This short segment, done by World Vision, a nonprofit, nondenominational agency was appealing to the public to get help for these poor young victims of a tragic disease. Although I enjoyed the book, it was well written, I felt it is meant for a young adult audience more than anyone else. Austin is a wise young man who truly made a difference with his Shooting Hoops to earn money to send to World Vision to sponser a child- being far more successful than he had hoped or dreamed. He went on in his teen years to do more for this relief agency to assist those in such great need in Zambia. It would serve a purpose as a study book for a group of young people to spur them on to show how they can make a difference. For myself, it was a slow read, pleasant however not thrilling.
   
   "Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller"



4. Once in a while, those of us who consider ourselves adults need to be jerked back from our set and stubborn ways. We need to be restored to what and where our hope comes from. We need to be refreshed that 'taking your best shot' is not only for children or teenagers. We need to be reminded that we were once young boys and girls.
   
   Austin Gutwein's story can easily humble many of us living in the comfortable world. As a young American boy, Gutwein struggles with a documentary that highlights the issue of poverty and disease in the dark continent of Africa. He was first touched by a short documentary about HIV/AIDS. Unlike some of us who simply watch documentaries and behave as if they are fictional or for entertainment purposes, Gutwein acted upon what he saw. Combined with his passion for basketball, and his compassion for the African people afflicted with the terrible disease, he sought out to throw 2057 free throws non-stop in order to raise funds for them. Little did he knew that he would soon spark a movement called 'Hoops of Hope' which would generate lots of financial support and public awareness for the African people.
   
   This story may seem to some readers like another of those race-to-fame stories. It may even appear unreal. I prefer to give Gutwein and the many willing hearts in this world, the benefit of the doubt that they want to take their best shot. The journey of life is unique for each of us. More unique is that none of us knows where is the end point. That alone is enough reason to take our best shot.
   
   Don't wait. Don't procrastinate. Go ahead and read this book and be inspired. Then, take your best shot in your own life.
   
   conrade
   
   "Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller."



5. Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein in an inspiring book written by a teenager to teenagers. This young man will challenge not only his peers to take action in changing the world, but he will inspire adults to make a change as well.
   
   In 2004 when Austin was nine-years-old he watched a video from World Vision about a little girl named Maggie. This little girl lived in Zambia and had lost her grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and even her brother to AIDS. Austin was so impacted by this four minute video, he wanted to do something for the Maggie's of the world. Weeks and months went by and Maggie's story still tugged at his young heart, so much so that his father contacted World Vision and asked where a nine-year-old could serve. He pointed out that World Vision had the Thirty-Hour Famine Fund Raiser for teenagers, but what did they have for kids? A few weeks later Austin received a call from Dana Buck, from World Vision, who asked him what he likes to do. Austin told him that he likes basketball. So Dana told him to go out and use basketball to change the world.
   
   And he did...
   
   Hoops for Hope sprang from Austin's desire to help kids in Africa and this book is the amazing story of how it all came about. But this isn't just a story about kids playing basketball, it is so much more. This young man has something important to say to kids today.
   
   Parents, if you have a teenager that needs inspiration, you need to get them this book!

5 comments about Dangerous Angels: The Weetzie Bat Books.

1. This is a volume that just didn't hook me. I don't understand how it got such glowing reviews that I was convinced I'd love it...but happens I cannot even finish this one. (I did get 2/3 through it, though.) For me it lacks something, that whatever-it-is a book required in order for you to HAVE to know what's going to happen. Maybe it's that the author's style doesn't gel with my preferences; she has a rather distanced, omniscient voice that doesn't (for me) communicate the internal thoughts of the characters enough for me to really feel for and with them.
   
   I didn't hate it, but I just felt bored while reading it and ended up setting it aside.
   
   That said, I do think it's a matter of personal preference, and that I can see how it might resonate for the young adult audience for which the book is intended.



2. Francesca Lia Block writes strange but intoxicating tales; stories that are surreal and yet oddly comforting, and to classify her books is nearly impossible. The format is that of fairytales, in which her protagonists face a series of challenges, and learn a valuable life lesson by book's end. Yet her genre is that of magic realism, in which she fills the city of Los Angeles (and in one case, New York) with all sorts of weird and wonderful occurrences, such as wishes granted by genies, conversations with ghosts, and spiritual power derived from Native American artifacts, plot threads that are interwoven with more "mundane" issues such as burgeoning sexuality, substance abuse and dysfunctional families. Her style is something else altogether, and it's really not something I can even begin to describe. It has to speak for itself...but I guess it's kind of like looking through a kaleidoscope whilst eating pink cotton candy and listening to psychedelic music.
   
   "Dangerous Angels" is an anthology of stories made up of what is also known as the "Weetzie Bat Books" (a bit of a misnomer, as Weetzie is the protagonist of only the first story; various friends and family members provide the focal point of the rest). First published in sequence as a series of five novellas, each story pertains to a member of a very strange family as they grow to maturity, learn truths about themselves, discover the world around them and obtain personal strength. In its most basic form, there's very little in that formula that won't resonate on some level with readers. The controversy seems to come from either the subject matter, or the unusual form of style.
   
   Block isn't queasy about dealing with topics such as homosexuality, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy, and she's not going to apologize for it either! At times, even I'll admit that things seem to go somewhat overboard (Weetzie Bat wants a child, so she talks her two gay friends into a threesome; weird enough, but it follows on that there are no real consequences to her actions: she apparently makes a great mother, and the child has no problems with her unorthodox life), but despite the seemingly irresponsible manner in which Block tackles these issues, a major theme overrides all the difficult subject matter: that love, acceptance and the freedom to tell one's personal story is a great healing force no matter what stupid decisions we make, painful experiences we go through or unchangeable circumstances we are born to.
   
   Yet even this message isn't sugar-coated. Love is also a "dangerous angel," that in many instances can harm as much as heal a person. There are no clear answers here. Just as life isn't easy, neither is this book. Of course, all this may put several parents and censors up in arms, but I don't think there's anything majorly offensive or dangerous about these stories (it must be said that the non-explicit threesome is far and away the most extreme moment in all five stories). I've never understood the logic that teenagers are going to rush out and try similar things just because they've read about them in books, or emulate characters that are clearly fictional, but some adults may be uncomfortable with the subject matter, and therefore wish to monitor the reading process. However, it's worthy saying that "Cherokee Bat and the Goat Guys," is ultimately all about cautioning youngsters about NOT growing up before their time.
   
   The tales begin with "Weetzie Bat", a young teenager on the lookout for true love. She loves each of her (divorced) parents, her gay best friend Dirk and his grandmother Fifi, but secretly longs for what she calls her "Secret Agent Lover Man." Then one day, when polishing an old lamp, a genie appears and grants her three wishes: "I wish for a Duck for Dirk, and my Secret Agent Lover Man for me, and a beautiful little house for us to live in happily ever after." Her wishes come true of course, but the "happily ever after" part needs a bit of work.
   
   "Witch Baby" concerns one of two children that are born to the rather odd little Bohemian family in the Hollywood hills. Feeling as though she doesn't fit in with the likes of Weetzie Bat, My Secret Agent Lover Man, Dirk and Duck, and her "sister" Cherokee Bat, she neglects personal hygiene, sneaks about taking candid pictures, and becomes a stowaway on a trip to Duck's house that's designed to break the news of his relationship with Dirk to his mother. This is the story of the awkward, slightly bratty, black sheep in the family, and the quest for belonging and acceptance.
   
   What follows is probably the most fairytale-esque of all five stories. "Cherokee Bat and the Goat Guys," tells of the second generation's attempts to negotiate the first steps toward adulthood. Forming a bad called the Goat Guys, Cherokee, Witch Baby and their boyfriends Raphael and Angel Juan find themselves without parental supervision for the first time, and make the most of it! But in the attempt to boost the confidence of her fellow band members, Cherokee taps into a powerful magic when she crafts elaborate costumes for them, only to gradually realize that none of them are mature enough to handle it properly.
   
   "Missing Angel Juan," returns to Witch Baby as the protagonist, but this time as a first-person narrator. After Angel Juan breaks up with her, she follows him in despair to New York in the attempt to track him down again. Meeting up with the ghost of her `almost-grandfather' Charlie Bat, Witch Baby searches for Angel Juan whilst struggling with her heartbreak and the personification of her fears.
   
   Finally, "Baby Be-Bop" works as a prequel of sorts, detailing the youth of Dirk and his desperate attempt to hide his homosexuality from the world. It is a fitting conclusion to the series, drawing back to similar themes and images throughout the series, as well as exploring mysteries like the genie in the lamp and the past of Grandma Fifi. It ends on a note that is true of the entire series, as well as life itself: "Our stories can set us free, if we set them free." Hmm, it looks rather corny out-of-context, but when seen as the final tribute of the lives and trials of these characters, it is immensely rewarding.
   
   The language Block uses to present these stories is (in my opinion) hypnotic. Although the teenagers' own slang, such as "slinkster-cool", or "clutch pigs," may come across as a bit dated, it's in the visceral sensations of sight, sound and smell that Block really excels:
   
   "An amusement park in winter is like when you go to the places where you went with the person you love but they're not with you any more. Everything rickety and cold and empty. If you had cotton candy it would burn your lips and cut your throat like spun pink glass."
   
   "In the evening Derwood came calling with honey from his bees. It tasted like nothing less than nectar made for the love of a golden queen by a hundred droning drones. We slathered it on homemade bread, drizzled it over rice pudding, let big shining drops fall into our teacups..."
   
   "This kiss was like a wind from the desert, a wind that knocks over candles so that flowers catch fire, a wind, or a like a sunset in the desert casting sphinx shadows on the sand, a sunset, or like a shivering in the spine of the earth."
   
   This is just a small taste. The prose is made up of these wild, almost-manic lines of thought, like teenagers scribbling erratically in their diaries in the attempt to capture what's in their minds. All you can do is let yourself get caught up in Block's worlds where reality is skewered, life is both beauty and pain, and every page turn holds a surprise. And yet it is grounded in the humanity of characters, and the reoccurring motif of a globe-shaped lamp, which provides the basis of many epiphanies. Needless to say, it's impossible to recommend or dismiss this book objectively, simply because a reader will either love or hate these books. It's enough to say that there is very little like it out there in the YA reading market, and whereas some will embrace the weird and wonderful, others will be turned off by the content matter or whimsical styling. There's really only one way to find out what group you're in, and that's to pick it up and try it out for yourself.



3. When I read this book I had recently moved from LA to Texas, homesick I stumbled across 'Baby Bebop'. I read it in one night, and was amazed and enchanted. I scoured the high school library for all her books I could find, reading the entire Weetzie Bat series.
   I wrote full length reviews and the librarian was in joy because of my excitement for reading something besides Twilight or magazines. She asked if they were good. I was thrilled at the time, and said yes. The next day she told me that she read them all one night and she requested the library to get rid of them. She said they were 'not proper' and 'too sinful'. She eyed me dirtily ever since.
   
   But what she didn't realize was that her conservatism versus my liberalism is exactly what the underlining statement is about. That sex can be love, love is love and any love that is love is right. She was angry because it was premarital sex and homosexuality in a young age. But that's reality. And it's pure love, and thats the point.
   
   I recommend to any young person, it helped me give another perspective, and it inspired me to get into poetry. I love Francesca Lia Block, and I believe her style is risky and contemporary just like the characters she forms and the situations she puts them in. But that's reality of youth and love.



4. Since this is a complilation of 5 books they even out to a strong 4 star series.
   
   IMO Weetzie, Witch Baby, and Missing Angel Juan were the best of the 5.
   
   Cheyenne and the Goat Boys - I like the story line but felt it lacked some spark or connectivity I felt with the others.
   
   Baby Be-Bop just felt misplaced in the series to me and unnecessary as it's own book. I think it would have worked well intertwined with Weetzie Bat.
   
   
   SO hard to find the words to describe this Post-modern free spirited Fairy tale and do it any justice..
   Compelling, addicting, quirky, Off-paced, dreamy, deep. The writing is as unique as the characters. It was a refreshing break in stride from your everyday read.



5. Francesca Lia Block has created a universe of beautiful people and beautiful situations. Though often times terrifying and dangerous, they are always beautiful. Her main characters are full of life and a brilliance that radiates onto every page. This book will leave you spellbound. Never have I recommended a book so frequently with such a positive response. I have purchased innumerable copies of this book as each time I lend it out it does not return because the person I gave it to gave it to someone else in their own excitement.
   The perfect gift for children of all ages!

5 comments about Prodigals and Those Who Love Them: Words of Encouragement for Those Who Wait.

1. I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN ORDERING THIS BOOK. HOWEVER, IT IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE. A QUICK READ. IT IS WRITTEN TO THOSE OF US WHO HAVE CHILDREN WHO HAVE CHOSEN TO DISENGAGE THEMSELVES FROM ALL OR PART OF THEIR FAMILY. THE AUTHOR GIVES EXAMPLES AND STORY'S OF REAL LIFE PEOPLE WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE DISCARDED THEIR FAITH TO LIVE DIFFERENT LIFESTYLES; FOR WHATEVER REASON. GOOD - GODLY PEOPLE! AVERAGE PEOPLE - JUST LIKE ME.
   
   THIS BOOK PROVED TO ME THAT I AM NOT ALONE. IT IS NOT ME AND WHAT I DID OR DID NOT DO OR SAY... BUT ABOUT CHOICES.
   
   ACTUALLY, ALIENS HAVE TWO OUT OF THREE OF MY CHILDREN OR MAYBE THE ONE THAT IS STILL AROUND IS AN ALIEN AND THE OTHER TWO ARE NOT. JUST KIDDING.
   
   THE TESTIMONIES OF THE PRODIGALS AND THE ONES WHO LOVED THEM PROVE THAT PRAYER WORKS. (THE FACT THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE NO ONE PRAYING FOR THEM IS SAD.) NEVER GIVE UP. YOU MIGHT NOT LIVE HERE ON EARTH TO SEE IT BUT ONE DAY THEY WILL COME BACK EVEN IF IT IS AT THE FEET OF OUR KING JESUS.
   
   THE AUTHOR CREATES A SENSE OF HOPE AND GRATITUDE TO RISE UP IN THE HEART OF THE BELIEVER. Prodigals and Those Who Love Them: Words of Encouragement for Those Who Wait



2. This is a most encouraging book for those who are waiting for the return of their prodigals, whoever they may be. It reminds us that God is in charge and we are not God. We can trust Him and wait on Him.



3. This book has some stories and many poems and verses to bring you encouragement as you wait for your prodigal. Knowing that the Grahams had a prodigal helps you relate to the words penned in this book.



4. I have much respect for the Graham family, however, I read this book AFTER reading "Praying Prodigals Home" by Quin Sherrer and Ruthanne Garlock. I would recommend PPH over this book hands down. While Ms. Graham tells some nice stories and has written some lovely poems, Sherrer and Garlock not only tell you HOW to pray for your prodigal, but have recorded many VERY ENCOURAGING testimonies of believers who have "prayed home" their prodigals. Backed with much scripture, PPH is filled with hope, wisdom and encouragement. I'm still using the various prayer strategies while praying for my prodigal. Summary: Buy PPH!



5. Every page of this book touched my heart and
   turned my aching heart towards God and the
   only one who is able to return my Prodigal
   to His fold!
   I gave away my copy and need to buy myself another for frequent reference.

5 comments about Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence.

1. I first read this collection as a gay high schooler in a very small town. I found it in a collection of books my English teacher had in her classroom library. Eventually, I got the nerve to ask to borrow it. It was immensely cathartic. At the time, there were few images (literary or otherwise) that were relatable to me. This collection really allowed me to see that there were people in the world with whom I could identify. Even though I didn't know those people at the time, it reminded me that one day I would and that was very comforting. This is a must have for English teachers, librarians, and parents with gay children.



2. Bauer, Marion Dane. "Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence", HarperCollins, 1995.
   
   Young Adult Gay Fiction
   
   Amos Lassen
   
   
   "Am I Blue?" is the first anthology of fiction with gay and lesbian themes written by authors who write children's and young adult literature. The stories run the gamut from coming-out to self-discovery to homophobia and is a wonderful mix of many voices. The anthology consists of sixteen stories and they explore the various meanings of gay and lesbian identity. The book starts and ends with a commentary by editor Bauer and after each story there is an afterword by the author which tells the story behind the story. Most of the stories deal with white middle-class people in urban locations and all of the stories want the reader to see and feel the mixed emotions that go with being "different". Even though one may not see the diversity in the stories at first, it is easy to see that there is cultural diversity.
   When adults write about their lives as part of the GLBT community, they often make the point that when they were growing up there were not many books to help them see what was happening to them sexually. There stories will fill some of the need so that in the future young gays and lesbians will not feel so alone or abnormal. Some stories have gay heroes while others are about how a life has changed by contact with a gay person.
   The stories answer the question, "Who am I?" and the answer is that you are not alone. The stories show that regardless of individual differences, we can all be celebrated and we are all more alike than we are different.
   The authors in the volume include C.S.Adler, Marion Dane Butler, Francesca Lia Block, Bruce Coville, Nancy Garden, James Cross Giblin, Ellen Howard, M.E. Kerr, Jonathan London, Lois Lowry, Gregory Maguire, Leslea Newman, Cristina Salat, William Sleator, Jacqueline Woodson and Jane Yolen.



3. Valley Gay Press Book Reviewer: A'JA Lyons
   Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence by Marion Dane Bauer is an assemblage of eight distinct tales about young adults experiencing firsthand the perils of what comes with being gay or lesbian or being close to someone who is. Though this book was published 14 years ago, most of the stories still apply today, especially in areas of the Country that are less progressive.
   
   In the story `Am I Blue' by Bruce Coville, a young man gets heavenly help after being assaulted by a fellow classmate. `Winnie and Tommy' by Francesca Lia Block details a situation where a young couple's love is questioned when one of them questions their sexuality. In `Parents Night' by Nancy Garden, a GSA booth on Parents' Night gives a teenage girl the courage to come out to her seemingly liberal parents.
   
   Some of the stories are relatively lighthearted and others show the melancholy side of being a sexual minority. Each author manages to tell a creative tale about finding and knowing oneself without ending up with a stereotypical "sad homosexual story."



4. This book is dedicated, "for all young people in their search for themselves." These are short stories about teenagers who are trying to find their identity, Teenagers face who they are and find support from their parents and friends. In some stories, they do find support from school, parents and friends. In additional some even find the right person to be with. There are three scenarios: teenagers not being accepted from others, not getting support from others and themselves being confused with their identity.
   
   
   
   My favorite story from the book was Parents' Night. This story was about a teenager who had her girlfriend but her parents didn't know, they thought they were just friends. At the beginning of the story she says that her father didn't give her a rose in her birthday. This was because they were at dinner when Karen gave them the news; she told them that she was involved in a club at school. This club was the Gay Straight-Bisexual Alliance, which every one in that club they were going to represent in on Parents' Night. Karen tells her parents that she was going to be there with her girlfriend Roxy. Her father wasn't happy with the news, so he didn't agree and he was really mad. In Karen's birthday her father was really quiet and he didn't give her a yellow rose like he used to every year. My favorite part of the story was when her parents go to Parents' Night and her father gives Karen a rose. He tells her that it was a little late and that he is happy that she got a really nice girlfriend. This part really got me, Karen was crying and my eyes were watery. She knew that her parents were now accepting her the way she was.
   
   
   
   All stories have a main idea. The writer sends messages that after reading each story you might think differently. The idea is to understand and support those who are in situations like that. I think that people don't have to experience first in order for them to write stories. All these authors give really good stories, which really touch the readers heart and at the end of the book you put it down and have a different view of those who are confused with their identity.
   
   
   
   The book has sixteen stories. The story Am I Blue talks about a gay teenager who has a fairy godfather who helps him out throughout his time of not knowing what he wants. The stories were different but they had the same idea in all of them. In Michael's Little Sister, his sister shows him that it's okay to be that way; she gives him support and understands him. Slipping Away is a story where a gay teenager tells his friend Maria who likes him, that he is gay but like any other girl she got mad at him instead of supporting him. Running from the book is really interesting; it's about a girl that starts seeing her sister's friend differently. Sheila was Heather's friend who brought her because she was having problems at home, and that's how Heather's sister meets Sheila. All these stories are really interesting and they throw good messages in each story written.
   
   
   
   I like this book mostly because in each story the writer gives an idea why he wrote that story and why he/she wants us to read it. Also when the reader reads the story, the writer clearly states how the person feels. It is really important for those who read this book to understand what and how it feels when a person who is in a position like that might feel when he/she doesn't have any support or is not accepted from others.



5. Written over ten years ago, AM I BLUE? is still as important today as it was then. A short-story collection dealing with GLBT (gay/lesbian/ bisexual/transgender) issues by some of 1995's top authors, this book is a true gem for teens searching for their identity--or just looking for a good read. With stories ranging from contemporary paranormal, to ones set in the 1950's, to one based during the Vietnam War, and even one in another world of Amazon warriors, there's something here for everyone.
   
   Stories include:
   
   AM I BLUE? by Bruce Coville
   WE MIGHT AS WELL ALL BE STRANGERS by M. E. Kerr
   WINNIE AND TOMMY by Francesca Lia Block
   SLIPPING AWAY by Jacqueline Woodson
   THE HONORARY SHEPHERDS by Gregory Maguire
   RUNNING by Ellen Howard
   THREE MONDAYS IN JULY by James Cross Giblin
   PARENTS' NIGHT by Nancy Garden
   MICHAEL'S LITTLE SISTER by C. S. Adler
   SUPPER by Leslea Newman
   HOLDING by Lois Lowry
   BLOOD SISTER by Jane Yolen
   HANDS by Jonathan London
   50% CHANCE OF LIGHTNING by Cristina Salat
   IN THE TUNNELS by William Sleator
   DANCING BACKWARDS by Marion Dane Bauer
   
   It's hard to pick a favorite from this collection, as each story has something different to offer. From allowing everyone in the world to see who is gay, to wondering what it would have been like to have two gay shepherds at the birth of Christ, to manning a booth about gays and lesbians at a school parents' night, each short story has an engaging story to tell.
   
   The only thing that would make this book better is to have a part two--another AM I BLUE? published in 2006 with some of today's best GLBT authors like Julie Anne Peters, Brent Hartinger, David Levithan, and more.

2 comments about Psychology: AP edition.

1. When I bought the book, it said that the book was used, but when we received it, it appears to be brand new!



2. This text is the perfect preparation for the AP test. It does a good job of explaining concepts most of which are listed in bold text in the margin with a short and effective definition. This provides students with the possibilities to use the margin terms for studying for the AP test.
   The text style is quite good. There are many pictures and real world examples of the psychological concepts. Some points are not explained very well; for example, bulimia and anorexia are interpreted as potentially having a genetic basis, but there isn't much evidence to back the assertion in the text. Such moments, however, are rare.
   The dichotomy between social and physiological origins of human behavior is quite evident in the structure of the chapters since these tend to be divided up into different sections.
   The chapters are extremely long and difficult to teach as one unit, so it would be best to find a logical breakpoint and cut up the chapter into halves and teach them thus otherwise you will be assessing students on more terms than they should be responsible for knowing on a periodic assessment.

5 comments about Rainbow Boys.

1. This is probably one of the best books i've ever read. The main characters are all so different which makes their relationships and conversations interesting. Kyle is struggling to come out to his parents, Jason has an abusive father, and Nelson is bullied at school for being different. Nelson helps Kyle come out to his parents, Kyle helps Jason realize he is gay and talks to him about his father, and Jason sticks up for Nelson when he is being bullied. My favorite thing about this book is, the writing is so detailed that you find yourself actually feeling how the characters are feeling. Alex Sanchez does an exceptional job of tying drama, romance, sadness, and friendship together to make a truely touching novel! I would recommend this book not just to people that are struggling to come out, or bullied for being gay, but to anybody that is unaware of the hardships gay people have to go through just for being different. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read more Alex Sanchez novels!



2. This book is amazing. It really lets people know what teens go through, especially gay teens who are afraid to come out. Sanchez does an excellent job of portraying the difficulty of day to day life for teens. The first time I read this series, I couldn't put the books down. I have read them all 4 times, and it is one of my favorite series. Sanchez can write, and these novels are evidence of that. I highly recommend this book!



3. I had to read this for a class...not a bad buy, especially considering it was cheap! I liked the story enough, and there's a squeal, but mostly I needed it for the report for school.



4. Well, someone has to do it- I must confess that I am rather perplexed that this book has not received more (read: any) negative reviews. 'Rainbow Boys' gained some notoriety among my friends as "the book in which depantsed was used in a *serious* context", however upon reading this "masterpiece" I found the the novel's problems ran far deeper than simple failed attempts at "Shakespearian wordsmithing".
   
   I have a saying about this book whenever people ask me if it's any good. It goes something like this: "Rainbow Boys was so bad that it made me hate gay people." This, of course, is hyperbole, but it is difficult for me to express everything that is miserably misguided and wrong about this novel in less than twenty words without verbally composing a senior thesis. But I'll try:
   
   My first impression of the prose was that it... under-developed. If I were in a generous mood, I would compare Alex Sanchez's writing to that of the kids who won the regional library writing contests when I was in sixth grade- I mean, it's *readable* as in there are full sentences and the descriptions are sort of coherent. But perhaps I am being unfair. I have certain benefits in life that Mr. Sanchez obviously has not:
   
   - I have met actual gay people.
   - I have met actual people.
   
   Look, I'll be frank here: the real problem with 'Rainbow Boys' is not that it is badly written- although, let me reiterate, it is *very* badly written- it's that it purports to be an "educational" book dedicated to helping gay youths come to terms with their sexuality and helping straight youth come to understand their not-so-straight peers. Unfortunately, the book falls into a number of icky and damaging cliches and falls into them *hard*.
   
   1. First and foremost, the father figures in the book are, without exception, portrayed as macho, over-bearing and incapable of understanding their sons' predicament while the mothers are always quick to keep the bond with their child. This is a book to help young, gay youth come to terms with the troubling events in their life? The subtext here is that a gay, male child will inherently relate better to the feminine aspect of their upbringing no matter their relationship to their father previous to their coming out. What message is this sending to gay youth who may be struggling with their father? Furthermore, is the author trying to say that gay men actually *are* closer to the feminine regardless of their upbringing or personality? My, my, that seems like an ugly bit of *stereotyping* on your part, Mr. Sanchez.
   
   2. While it is certainly true that some gay youth do not realize that they are gay until late in their teen years, when Mr. Sanchez goes into excruciating detail about how much a character loves his girlfriend and enjoys sex with her and has never in his entire life thought sexually about men until he meets a gay boy of the appropriate age bracket... well, let me just say that I was not convinced. Maybe Mr. Sanchez was attempting to illustrate that Jason was desperately trying to convince *himself* he was straight, but the story does not read that way.
   
   How the story reads is this: either you are completely straight or you are completely gay. Jason is attracted to Kyle so he can no longer be attracted to his girlfriend even though their relationship was perfectly healthy before. Bisexual youth struggle as well. Maybe theirs is a struggle Mr. Sanchez doesn't "admire" since they can theoretically "pass" in normal society by "choosing" to behave straight. Maybe he perceives them as having the "choice" ignorant people accuse homosexuals of having. I'll never know because Sanchez dismissed their existence entirely in 'Rainbow Boys': there is no in-between to him. If he wants to continue writing about social-sexual politics, he would do good to learn that sexuality is a spectrum, not a dichotomy.
   
   3. Since Mr. Sanchez has never met an actual person, I was thinking maybe of giving him a free pass for his gross misrepresentation of eating disorders. Very few people who HAVE engaged in actual social interaction understand eating disorders as it is. In fact, many people who have known those afflicted with eating disorders fail to understand it completely. So instead of admonishing him on this point, I'll give him a few tips:
   
   - While not traditionally considered mental illnesses, eating disorders tend to be coupled with abnormal psychology.
   - Eating Disorders are a compulsive behaviour that lasts for a prolonged period of time. It is difficult to break the cycle and many sufferers take twice as long to recover as they did fasting.
   - Eating Disorders are about control and mediating your identity. So yes, while it is conceivable that a gay youth might develop an eating disorder, it is an issue that you must treat sensitively. An example of an insensitive way to portray an eating disorder would be the following situation:
   
   "Boy is depressed and eats a whole bag of Oreo cookies and then promptly throws them up. He declares that he has an eating disorder, but quickly quits when he is less depressed."
   
   4. Token Lesbians. That's all I really have to say about them because that's all they really were.
   
   5. Morning. After. Pill. For. AIDS. While this *does* exist, it is a problematic treatment which the effectiveness of is still in question. Mr. Sanchez, however, disregarded this because he was eager to offer his character an easy way out.
   
   6. While this isn't a cliche, there is a great deal of hypocrisy present in the key relationship in the book. While the authority figures in the novel make a great to-do about "waiting" until you're ready for sex and "taking things slow", Jason and Kyle go on a grand total of *one date* before hopping in bed (they've formally known each other, what, a week tops?). Wait! this is a cliche, or rather, a harmful stereotype: being gay is so much about sex, those silly, promiscuous "homos" can't wait until they jump into bed! Yeah, yeah: I know they're teenagers, but seriously- Jason is recently out of a long-term relationship and barely out of the closet. If 'Rainbow Boys' wants to promote responsible sexual practices, then it should make sure to tell youth- gay and straight alike- that it takes more than a condom to make sex between confused teenagers responsible.
   
   In conclusion, this book is an empty, soulless, poorly-written shill of a novel that sends a myriad of negative messages about gay culture to young people. The end.



5. *Rainbow Boys* is such a good book and a rare one on gay themes. The book focuses on three gay teens: Kyle, Jason and Nelson. Among them, they faced a variety of issues, such as coming out, HIV, romance, homophobia and other related issues. However, Sanchez doesn't stop there. He addresses other issues that other people face as well, such as domestic violence.
   
   Between them, a friendship blossoms and they soon learn to lean on each other for support. And support, they all need it in any form. So, Sanchez introduces PFLAG, Gay-Straight Alliance and moral support from friends and loved ones. Little by little, with support, the trio soon bond and face tough problems together. With friends behind them, they soon learn that nothing shall stand in their way.
   
   Sanchez is a gifted writer. He uses words so accurately that I was on my own memory trips throughout this book. I'm definitely reading his other books!

3 comments about A Teen's Game Plan for Life.

1. Lou Holtz's optimistic perspective for promoting successful student athletes is presented in an inspiring and humorous quick read. Don't even break out the highlighter for this book; each chapter and every character building message carries powerful strategies to help student athletes capture the essence of the why's and how's to be a successful person in school, on the playing field, at the workplace, and within our communities! This is a must read for parents and educators interested in promoting strong character for today's adolescents and, in turn, strong leaders for future generations!



2. This is a great book for any teen. Easy read, highly inspiring, great goals!



3. I'm a Lou Holtz fan, a lot of people I've talked with say the book is just a recycled version of speeches he's given. Well I've never heard him speak in person, so the stories are new to me. Some of the stories relate to his childhood, marriage, goals and obviously coaching at Notre Dame and South Carolina.

   It seems that this book is being marketed towards teenagers (I guess that's where they got the title) but I found it inspirational. I'll hang on to it and give it to my son in another 10 years or so when he's a teen.

5 comments about Magic Bullets: 2nd Edition.

1. Hey Guys,
   
   I am not the typical customer for this kind of book, but my brother keept talking about it and how great is is supposed to be. So I took it and started reading. After the first two pages I could not put it away anymore. I don't really know if it works, but it sounds like it would... I guess it would work on me. :) And my brother is taking more girls out so I guess it works. :)
   
   Cheers,
   
   Melissa



2. Magic Bullets is probably, as other authors wrote, the bible in the PUA area. As always with the things taht are the best and that are the originals, they are not the cheapest, but these guys actually do something for the money and that is not just selling books, they are everywhere on TV on the internet and even give some free advice to their customers. I wrote savoy an email after i had read the book and he responded personally the same day... I mean how great is that!



3. Hi, I don't know if the author reads this but this book is great, it is life changing. Of course not every body is getting every woman, but that is not what this book is about. What it is about is that everybody can improve his chances and some people can dramatically. When I see some guys out on the street I just wanna give them this book and say, change your life, read it and make something out of it.
   If this does not improve your live (if you really use the stuff in there) then I don't know what would. Thank you Savoy, you certainly made see things differently and I am more confident and I also have more success in talking with women.



4. Magic Bullets is simply the original. I mean, wasn't Savoy and Mystery that started the whole PUA thing? I mean if you by a book, then by from the masters.... Savoy simply is the best and the best is never the cheapest, that is the way it is. But this book is simply the PUA bible and you cannot afford to not have it!



5. I received the book a couple days ago an was not able to put it asside since then. It is very interesting to read and I am eager to go out an try it, but as othes wrote as well, I am having the feeling (from just reading it) that this works. I have read parts of other books before but quickly put them aside because I always had the feeling that that does not work for me. But this book is somehow different and I am not sorry about the money that i spend. i saw these guys on TV and after having read most of this book I must say they are different from all these guys that call themselves PUAs. After all, Savoy and his team are the ones that make the PUAs in the first place.

5 comments about Woody, Hazel and Little Pip.

1. The story is cute and the art is beautiful! At the moment I think I enjoy it more than my 20 month old, but I am sure she will love it when she gets older.



2. We bought this bought for a friend's birthday and read it over and over for a week before giving it. My daughter specifically asked for it for xmas, and that is what she got. You will never tire of reading it over and over....



3. I remembered this from my own childhood, and was delighted to find it on Amazon for my granddaughter. She is 3 and absolutely loves it - we have to read it over and over every time she visits me. The images stir her imagination, and the story is exciting and interesting without being saccarine or preachy. We always end up talking about it afterwards, and she takes an increased interest in our walks in the woods, picking up acorns, acorn caps, and large, shapely leaves, which might just carry a small elfin person away...



4. This is not my favorite Beskow book, but it is still a delightful, engaging story with beautiful illustrations! These stories are as enjoyable for the adults reading them as they are for the children. I also highly recommend The Forest Children and The Flowers Festival, but really, all of her books are worth owning!



5. This book is so darling and charming. For some reason, when I cracked it open, I thought it would be too quiet for Benny (7) and too slow for Sadie (2). No. They were both riveted. It is a very precious little story about tiny little people who live in trees -- we never ascertained whether they were fairies or pixies or what. They have a little adventure and then everyone has a party. It's the detail of the illustrations, the thoughtful way in which this little world is completely imagined, and the boldness of the "naughty" children who go off on an oak leaf and end up delivering beards to trolls. Very good story! The children give it four thumbs up!

5 comments about Ryan White: My Own Story (Signet).

1. WORST BOOK EVER. About some kid who spent time at Michael Jackson's magic ranch & then caught something. AIDS sucks & I feel sorry for all the victims, but this books sucks more.



2. Words can't even describe how much I love this book! Ryan was a funny, normal teen that had to deal with terrible situations.



3. "My Own Story" by Ryan White should be required reading for everyone. Everyone should have to read this book.
   
   Ryan White was barely a teenager when he contracted AIDS from tainted blood clotting medications he had to take intravenously as a Hemophylliac. Despite being one the first pediatric AIDS patients, and despite having ever single obstacle imaginable stacked again him, Ryan never gave up hope. He never felt sorry for himself, and he never stopped fighting for what was right.
   
   At the same time, he never makes himself into a martyr. Reading the book is like having a conversation, the tone is fluid and relaxed. He doesn't make himself out to be anything other than what he is - a teenager trying his best to do what's right with the hand he was dealt. He talks about his strengths as well as his shortcomings, the good parts in his life as well as the bad.
   
   At a time when AIDS patients were feared like monsters, Ryan's narrative made people realize "hey, he's just a normal kid like me. This could have been me." What happened to Ryan could have happened to anyone, but I don't think most people would have been to face what Ryan faced with the strength he did.
   
   This book will give you hope. This book will make you think about how you live your life. This book will make you wish we hadn't lost Ryan White.



4. Today is World AIDS Day and each year I remember my childhood friend, Ryan White. His sister and I were both Rollerskaters and skated in the same skating rinks. Knowing Ryan personally and having his book for years now, it is still a story that resonates with me. It is true, thoughtful, and in his own words.
   
   I'll never forget the hatred the spewed from the city of Kokomo against him. It was such a devastating blow to his well being. Not only did he have this death sentence, but the entire town was treating him worse than what you would treat a pig going to slaughter. I am not joking. I remember seeing him at the skating rink one day, it was a time when he wasn't as sick so he was able to be a kid. I went up to him to give him a hug because I hadn't seen him in so long and he said, "You want to hug ME?" He was shocked that someone would want to touch him. That's how bad it was.
   
   Read his book. He is the reason people with AIDS are accepted now. This friend of mine had more courage than anyone I have ever met.



5. i really loved this book if i was born around his time i would have been his friend i love how he stood up for his beliefs and went back to school in stuff even though he didn't get to gradulate, but he still lived a great in fun life it was short but he did things with it i'm young but my aunt past away with AIDS and after reading this book it really touch me i was crying because i felt so bad what ryan went though but he didn't let it get to him. He was so strong he got people believing again.