Title: Almost Perfect
Author: Brian Katcher
Author's Website: http://briankatcher.com/site/
ISBN: 978-0-385-73664-0
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Copyright Date: 2009
Genre: Fiction, Sexuality and Gender Identity
Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18
Awards: Horn Book, 2010. School Library Journal, 2009. Kirkus Reviews Starred, 2009.
Plot Summary: While living in poverty with his mom, a single parent, Logan tries his best to keep busy after his first real heartbreak. When the new girl Sage arrives, Logan is instantly intrigued and attracted by the tall, red head in the funky clothes. Logan begins pursuing her but it continually rejected. He finally kisses her and it is only after that she reveals her big secret - she is actually a boy. Logan feels betrayed and outraged and it leaves him worrying about what that means for his own sexuality. He experiences a rollercoaster of emotions afterwards and ultimately chooses to befriend her.
Critical Evaluation: Katcher captures the struggle for all involved in this story. Through Logan's eyes we witness the rollercoaster of emotions that vary drastically from one another such as disgust to attraction, hate to love, fear and sympathy. He shares with readers what a painful experience this can be, and ultimately teaches tolerance. Reader's Annotation: After having his heart broken, Logan falls for the new girl at school...who is hiding a secret.
Booktalking Ideas: Homosexuality, Gender Identity, Transgender
Challenge issues if any: Because transgenerism is very rarely discussed, there will be several anticipated challenge issues with this book, including the homosexual aspect. Brian does an excellent job of tacking homophobia and sharing the poignant struggle within Sage to have a normal life and live as a woman.
Challenge issues if any: Because transgenerism is very rarely discussed, there will be several anticipated challenge issues with this book, including the homosexual aspect. Brian does an excellent job of tacking homophobia and sharing the poignant struggle within Sage to have a normal life and live as a woman.
Why did you include this book: This book serves as an honest look into the heartbreaking world of transsexuality and transgender - a subject that is rarely spoken about or shared in the young adult world.
Quote: “Sage would survive. I'd survive. We were better off apart. Painful and quick, just like ripping off a Band-Aid. Well, more like gouging a piece of shrapnel out of my stomach, pouring a bottle of gin into the wound, lighting it on fire, and sewing my guts up with a dirty bootlace. But the concept was the same.”
Quote: “Sage would survive. I'd survive. We were better off apart. Painful and quick, just like ripping off a Band-Aid. Well, more like gouging a piece of shrapnel out of my stomach, pouring a bottle of gin into the wound, lighting it on fire, and sewing my guts up with a dirty bootlace. But the concept was the same.”
No comments:
Post a Comment