|
from Gay Activism in the Schools
Gay Children's Book Author Writes
'Coming Out' Book For Teens
August 25, 2005 -
David LaRochelle, a gay children's book author/illustrator has recently written
Absolutely, Positively Not, published by Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic.
The book was recently reviewed by Mary Ann Grossman with the Saint Paul Pioneer
Press.
Absolutely, Positively Not tells the story of Steven who tries to convince
himself he's not gay, but without success. When Steven finally comes out to his
best friend, Rachel and her mother, they're not surprised. When he admits he's
gay to his father, his dad recalls that gay males who served with him in the
military service were some of the bravest he knew.
Steven tries unsuccessfully to follow the advice given in a book about male
sexuality. He engages in male activities and dates girls, but eventually comes
to the conclusion that he's gay and comes to terms with it. At one point in the
book, Steven takes a golden retriever to the high school prom.
LaRochelle, has written or illustrated more than 25 children's books. One of his
most successful is The Best Pet Of All about a dragon.
Absolutely, Positively Not was picked by Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic for
publication. According to LaRochelle, "Arthur was the perfect editor. He's gay
and very sensitive to issues in the book." Levine says, "I was drawn to the idea
that a book featuring a gay teenager could be funny and light; that it would
playfully acknowledge the challenges facing a gay kid but resolves those
challenges happily." Levine is editor of the U.S. editions of the Harry Potter
books and has his own imprint at Scholastic.
Updated: 8 February 2008
|
