Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence

Well, this was actually my book, but now my daughter is old enough to read it. I read it as a high school student and really really liked it. My daughter read it as a 5th grader and, while some of the stories went over her head, some of them provoked some really good discussions about sexuality, sexual orientation, homophobia, etc. ( )

A wonderful collection of short stories about teenagers dealing with their own sexuality and that of those around them. The collection is fairly well balanced between gay/lesbian/bi/questioning/confused (no transgender, sadly enough). I wish the book didn't so blatantly advertise its contents, though. For many teens, it's a very frightening and confusing thing to think about sexuality, so they might not be as apt to pick this book up if all their friends can see what it's about. ( )

A collection of short stories written by 16 respected young adult authors, this is an essential book to put in the hands of any teenager dealing with his or her own sexuality or having a gay parent or friend. The stories cover the gamut of “takes” on gayness. The title story by Bruce Coville tells of a gay teenage boy who receives a gift from Melvin, his “fairy godfather”: For the boy’s eyes only, Melvin turns every gay person blue for a day so that the boy can see he’s not alone. What the boy discovers is that there are an amazing variety of shades of blue.(http://www.alexsanchez.com/gay_teen_books.htm, great books for gay teens)

I think as the reviewer said, that this book would be perfect for any teen dealing with sexuality issues whether it be their own or someone they know. I liked the concept of Melvin being able to see other gay people, so he can realize that he isn't alone.

Review by CJ

This book is a sometimes fun, sometimes sad collection of short stories about coming out. Some, like the title story, are definitely fictional- others seem a bit more autobiographical. They all offer something to the teen who is struggling with their identity. One of my favourite books on this topic, ever.. ( )

Honest, open, and beautiful. ( )