Am I Blue: Coming Out from the Silence

Title Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence
Author Various
Editor Marion Dane Bauer
Marion Dane Bauer was born in Illinois and is the author of the 1987 Newbery Honor Book, On My Honor. When she is not writing, Bauer teaches part time in an MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College.
ISBN 0064405877
Publisher Harper Trophy (a division of Harper Collins)
Copyright Date 1994
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
Am I Blue is an anthology of 16 short stories, all dealing with homosexual themes and written for young adults. Beyond this, though, the stories in this book are extremely varied in theme, plot, character development and genre. From the title story “Am I Blue” by Bruce Coville, about a teenage boy, still figuring out his sexuality, who wants to teach the world a lesson about acceptance and tolerance, to “The Honorary Shepherds” by Gregory Maguire, about two high school lovers who re-imagine the nativity myth, these stories are diverse in their approach, but universal in their message. Young adults need to see themselves reflected in literature in order to see themselves in the world.
Critical Evaluation
Though many of these stories are outdated, the importance of this collection is undeniable. The stories that they tell are potent and well-written, challenging authors in the young adult genre to include gay characters and themes in their work. Though many of the stories are about coming out and coming of age, others are about gay characters struggling with the same things all teenagers face: school, what to do with their life, relationships and issues with their parents. This is a lovely read for any teenager, particularly those that are reluctant to start something as long as a novel. The stories are different enough to keep a reader engaged, while all stressing important truths about love, prejudice, family and becoming an adult. I would also recommend this book of stories to parents who are interested in LGBT issues.
Curriculum Ties Could be tied to any lesson about tolerance, prejudice and the LGBT civil rights movement.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Read “Am I Blue?” Ask the audience if they would have wished for the same thing? Why or why not?
2. Read the introduction. Discuss why LGBT people might be more prone to suicide attempts and what a book for and about LGBT teens could help with this concern.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Book Award (1995, ALA); Best Books for Young Adults (1994, ALA); Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (1994, ALA).