A special edition of Kirkus Reviews is out, The Best of Children’s Books of 2005. Twenty-four pages of PDF file, packed with the top forty books, the best of continuing fantasy books, best series, and best fantasy.
My only trouble is that I’ve locked up my credit card and sworn off Amazon. I guess I have to start using the library.
Of course, what would any best book list be without the gay guy coming out and accepting, and even reveling in, his homosexuality? So we have, on the list, Totally Joe. About this book, Booklist says, in part:
G is for the Gang of Five, Joe’s misfit friends, who are utterly loyal when he falls for Colin. But Colin is less secure about his sexuality than Joe is, and when the rumor goes around that the boys have been seen kissing, he quashes the relationship. Joe survives the crush, and the book has an upbeat ending. ?Actually, despite a few worries, the whole book is cheerful and optimistic. Joe’s family is supportive, and the kids from the nasty (Christian) family that wants to stop the Gay-Straight Alliance are removed to a different school.
Note how the guy who drops the relationship is less secure than Joe, and how upbeat the book is despite those nasty Christians.
And Kirkus calls the book, “nothing but realistic.”
OK, well, I guess some Christians are nasty when it comes to homosexuality. So maybe there was some realism in the book. Still, I think it’s a crime when fiction paints those who dislike homosexuality to be insecure or nasty while homosexuals are painted as well-adjusted and healthy.
Hello?
Where are the books that show that the kid who broke off the relationship wasn’t really insecure but was smote by his conscience and decided to repent? Where are the loving Christians characters who say, “I love you and urge you to stop sinning and what on earth are you doing kissing anyone at the age of twelve, let along another guy?”
I wish some great Christian writers would tackle this. Barb Huff could write such a book. I don’t know if she wants to or not. I’d love to see it, though. I bet if there ever is such a book, it won’t win any awards, though.
Oh well. I look forward to reading some of the books on the Kirkus list. Many of them sound great. (I just happen to have The Penderwicks sitting on my desk. I’m so happy about that. Really, there are few things in life as satisfying as having one good book waiting.)
