Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book features gay characters, whom the (straight) protagonist befriends and supports by helping form a Gay-Straight Alliance at his school. Characters "hook up," and both the hook-ups and the discussion of them among friends get pretty graphic. There's some swearing, as well as a physical fight between two friends on a school bus.
Families can talk about books that deal with gay characters. Sometimes books with these themes get pulled from school and library bookshelves. What do you think about that? Do you think reading this story could be helpful for other teens struggling with their sexuality? Could it be harmful in any way for young people to read books like this? Parents who read along may want to discuss the hook-ups in the book. These encounters often begin with meeting up online. Ask your kids: Does Sanchez's portrayal seem accurate? Carlos ends up feeling used by his relationship with Roxy; why do you think that is?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kate Pavao
His fun premise may be a bit of a stretch, but author Alex Sanchez captures the gritty reality of high school life well -- where young teens play around with sex without love and even nice guys don't say anything when they see someone being picked on.
This book is thicker than it needs to be, and readers may not care much about some secondary storylines -- like Carlos' mom's relationship. But readers will keep reading for more on sensitive Carlos, whose heart is in the right place even though he doesn't always do the right thing (or fall for the right girl).
This is Sanchez's first book without a gay protagonist, which may make it appeal to a wider audience, especially straight boys. The casual hook-ups -- which often begin with the Internet -- will shock parents more than any of the gay subject matter -- and will certainly give families something to talk about (see our Internet Safety Guide).
From The Book
Sal gave Carlos a sidewise stare, till finally he asked, "Are you for real? You're straight? And you want me -- a gay guy -- to help you get a girl?
"Yeah." Carlos felt like saying, Forget it! Instead he said, "You know like on that show Queer Guy."
"You mean Queer Eye?" Sal corrected. "Okay, let's say you are straight. And I should help you because...?"
Plot Summary:
Inspired by Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Carlos asks openly gay student Sal to help with an image makeover, hoping to land the girl of his dreams.
Sal agrees -- in exchange for Carlos' help forming a gay-straight alliance. Sal does improve Carlos' room, clothes, and hair -- but more than that, he teaches him how to stand up for himself and what he thinks is right.
Related Books:
More Books with Gay Characters
Geography Club by Brent Hartinger
Also by Alex Sanchez
Rainbow Boys
Rainbow High
Rainbow Road
So Hard to Say
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Sexual ContentCharacters "hook up" -- which means they get physical without a relationship. Characters have sex when parents aren't around and talk about getting "some oral." |
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ViolenceCarlos and one of his best friends fight on a school bus. |
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LanguageSome swear words (like "s--t"); often these words are of a sexual nature. |
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Social BehaviorThe main character learns to stand up for himself -- and his gay friends. |
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