Book Reviews and Awards

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GRL2GRL: SHORT FICTIONS (Little, Brown and Co., 2007)
ISBN-10: 0-316-01343-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-01343-7

 

 

*     2007 Rainbow Reads (best-of-the-best list chosen by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Round Table of the American Library Association)

*     2008 New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age

*     2008 Cooperative Children's Books Center Choices (best-of-the-year books for young adults)

*     Cybils Award Nominee

 

 

Reviews

The author of the novels Keeping You a Secret (2003) and Luna (2004) shows she’s an even better short story writer. Continuing with her themes of coming out and the experiences of young lesbians, the 10 stories here present different but equally polished facets of varied experience and emotion… Accessible and credible, the stories belong in teen collections not only because of their sympathetic yet clear-eyed depictions of minority sexual orientation but also for their exemplary crafting. Booklist

 

The short stories in this collection give voice to ten expressions of lesbian and transgender teen experience… Peters skillfully varies the subject matter and tone from piece to piece… Whether readers are looking for reflections of the other or reflections of themselves, grl2grl presents plenty of opportunities to find both. The Horn Book Magazine

 

“For straight teens, this collection will be a haunting revelation and a chance to feel someone else's experience; for gay teens, these tenderly written stories will provide an emotional lifeline of acceptance. Voice of Youth Advocates

 

“Regardless of the intensity of the struggles, girls of any sexual orientation will feel quickly drawn into the lives glimpsed here… teens searching for a fast read, especially in an underserved subject, will be gratified to find this collection.” Publishers Weekly

 

“The dearth of titles of lesbian interest gets a respite… In grl2grl, Peters' stories depict teens and young women grappling with problems refreshingly unrelated to parents or to coming out… In all, readers have 10 opportunities to revel in the very different stories Peters has created. Presumably, many of them are based in fact, because she thanks the people who have shared their stories with her.” Ken Furtado, Echo Magazine

Reviews from Young Readers

 

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BETWEEN MOM AND JO (Little, Brown and Co., 2006)
ISBN 0-316-73906-5

 

*     Lambda Literary Award Winner

*     2006 Rainbow Reads, selected by the American Library Association’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Round Table

*     Honor Book, first ever James Cook Teen Book Award given by the Ohio Library Council. The award recognizes books that promote and celebrate cultural, ethnic and social diversity; demonstrate excellence in writing; and have a wide appeal to a teen audience

*     Cybils Award Finalist

*     Michigan Library Association 2007 Thumbs Up! Award Nominee

 

Reviews

“Nicholas Nathaniel Thomas Tyler has four first names and two mothers. As the only child in his class with gay parents, he endures the taunts and prejudices of classmates and adults over the years as best he can, drawing reassurance and strength from his parents… This novel is a timely exploration of the struggles faced by same-sex couples and their children, and while the issues are significant, the story is never overwhelmed by them… This coming-of-age novel powerfully portrays the universal pain of a family breakup.” (Starred) School Library Journal

        

            Peters again works her writing magic in this perfectly structured and exquisitely written novel… A child in a family facing divorce hurts-no matter what genders comprise the parent couple. Because of this family makeup, many librarians will self-censor the book, doing what Nick's elementary teacher did with his drawings. But the novel needs to be read. Doing so takes one step toward helping this kind of family feel less invisible; doing so represents one step closer to recognizing and supporting their very real existence. Voice of Youth Advocates

 

            “Nick’s voice is so real that readers, no matter their home situation, will readily identify. A powerful, moving examination of the relationships we forge within the family we are given.” The Horn Book Magazine

            Nick's need for Jo is palpable, despite-or because of-their gruff, unorthodox, rough-and-tumble love. An un-romanticized look at divorce and parent-child relationships, as well as an addition to the tiny canon about gay parents.”  Kirkus Reviews

            “This is a smart, well-written book for teens as well as adults that will instill empathy and compassion, as well as stir emotions—perhaps even bring tears to readers’ eyes, as it did mine.” Jennifer Miller, Rocky Mountain News  


        
Read Reviews from Passionate Young Readers

 

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FAR FROM XANADU (Little, Brown and Co., 2005)
ISBN 0-316-15881-X (HC) : ISBN 0-316-15971-9 (PB)

 

 

*     2005 Rainbow Reads, selected by the American Library Association’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Round Table

*     Finalist for the 2006 Colorado Book Award in Young Adult Fiction

*     New York Public Library Books for the Teen-Age List 2006

*     Booklist Top 10 Romance Fiction for Youth

*     An American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults, 2006 Nomination

*     An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2006 Nomination


Reviews

Presenting credible characters in tragic situations, Peters keeps readers turning pages – and reaching for tissues – late into the night. Better still, she leaves readers with a greater faith in humanity, family ties, and the power of community.” Voice of Youth Advocates

 

Excellent characterizations make this piece shine. Mike’s a gritty and absorbing mix of pain and strength; Peters’s other characters are also realistically complex…a memorable portrait of this girl and the small town she calls home.” Kirkus Reviews

 

“Readers will root for Mike in this heartfelt coming-of-age story.” School Library Journal

 

“The author creates a vivid backdrop in rural Coalton, and it’s refreshing that residents accept and even embrace Mike… Ultimately, readers will root for Mike and will come to understand her pain and need for love.” Publishers Weekly

 

"Peters has established herself not just as a successful gay author who writes responsible and compelling books for young adults but also as a flat-out good writer, regardless of her topics.” (4 stars) Romantic Times

 

"Far from Xanadu is a witty and sensitive portrayal of a gay teen that cuts through all the differences between us to the single life experience that unites us — first love.” Peggy Tibbetts, www.BookIdeas.com

 


Reviews from Thoughtful Young Readers

 

 

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LUNA (Little, Brown and Co., 2004)
ISBN 0-316-73369-5 (HC) : ISBN 0-316—1127-4 (PB)

*     2004 National Book Award Finalist in Young People’s Literature

*     2005 Stonewall Honor Book, awarded by the GLBTQ Round Table of the American Library Association

*     An American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults 2005

*     2005 Colorado Book Award for Young Adult Literature

*     2005 Lambda Literary Award Finalist

*     2004 Borders Original Voices Award Finalist

*     Nominated for the „Buxtehuder Bulle“, a distinguished prize in literature for young people in Germany

*     Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2004, Books for Great Teens

*     Michigan Library Association 2005 Thumbs Up! Award Nominee

*     Rhode Island Teen Book Award 2006 Nominee

*     Missouri Gateway Book Award 2006 Nominee

*     Vermont Green Mountain Book Award 2006 Nominee

*     New York Public Library Books for the Teen-Age List 2005

*     An Original Voices selection by Borders Books and Music. Original Voices recognizes innovative and ambitious books from new and emerging talents, as well as outstanding works from established authors.

*     2004 Book Sense Summer Reading List for Teens

*     An ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults

*     2007 New Jersey Garden State Teen Book Award Nominee

*      2007 Best Young Adult Fiction Award from the China Times in Taiwan

 

Reviews

 

"Groundbreaking, finely tuned realism about a transsexual teen. Peters writes her characters with care and complexity. The first of its kind — well done and essential for every library serving young adults.” (Starred) Kirkus Reviews

 

"This novel breaks new ground in YA literature with a sensitive and poignant portrayal of a young man’s determination to live his true identity and his family’s struggle to accept Luna for who she really is.” School Library Journal

 

"Although the book is about Liam’s struggle with being transgendered, it is really Regan’s story. If one removed that entire theme, there would still be a great novel about teenage life, showing the real strength of the writing and the characters. Peters handles the issue with grace, sympathy, and a huge dose of reality. This does not scream, “Controversial topic!” Instead it brings up a sensitive issue and shows it in such a realistic light that the reader will come away having learned something, and one might hope, with a sympathetic attitude toward people dealing with gender issues.”  Voice of Youth Advocates

 

"Peters’ sensitive treatment of the struggles of the transgendered and those who love them allows readers to see another aspect of the difficult adolescent journey toward identity and the influence of societal pressure. Peters writes with great empathy and provides her readers with carefully chosen information about transsexuality and the quest to become whole.” KLIATT

 

"This novel breaks new ground in YA literature with a sensitive and poignant portrayal of a young man’s determination to live his true identity and his family’s struggle to accept Luna for who she really is.” School Library Journal

 

"Honest, heartbreaking, amazing. LUNA makes us ask ourselves,' What does it take to live an authentic life? What sacrifices will that entail?' To this mesmerizing drama, Julie Anne Peters brings humor, intensity, and an overwhelming sense of love and redemption. Required reading for anyone interested in living a more compassionate life." Jennifer Finney Boylan, author of She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders

 

“The book is a brilliant exposition of the conflict, exaltation and terror involved in ‘coming out’ and I recommend it unreservedly.” Katherine Cummings, author of Katherine’s Diary: The Story of a Transsexual, winner of the Australian Human Rights Award for Non Fiction

 

Reviews from Outstanding Teen Readers and Writers

 

 

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KEEPING YOU A SECRET (Little, Brown and Co., 2003)
ISBN 0-316-70275-7 (HC) : ISBN 0-316-00985-7 (PB)

*     2004 Stonewall Honor Book, awarded by the GLBTQ Round Table of the American Library Association

*     2003 Lambda Literary Award Finalist

*     Amelia Bloomer Project, 2004 List of Recommended Feminist Books for Youth, awarded by the Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association

*     Best of 2003 Young-Adult Books, Borders Books and Music

*     75th Anniversary Edition, New York Public Library’s Books for the Teen Age

*     American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults, 2004 Nomination

*     An Original Voices selection by Borders Books and Music. Original Voices recognizes innovative and ambitious books from new and emerging talents, as well as outstanding works from established authors.

*     2003 Book Sense Summer Reading List for Teens

*     An ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults

 

Reviews

 

            "Not just a gay love story, this book transcends barriers, allowing readers of all persuasions to revel in its universal truths about self-knowledge, acceptance, pride, and the hardships of wrestling with the perceptions and comfort of others...” Voice of Youth Advocates

 

"...everyday reality for Holland and Cece has as much joy as difficulty, and they are far too practical to succumb to angst and melodrama over their perfectly ordinary, perfectly wonderful, desire for each other. These are strong, likable young women; readers will warm to their situation and cheer Holland's breaking free...” The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

 

"...Holland’s experiences will inform readers who are also discovering their sexual identity. Gay or straight, they’ll identify with the excitement that accompanies that first love affair. At the heart is the realization that secrecy can damage many relationships, no matter the connection…” Kirkus Reviews

 

"A lovingly written first-person account of coming out in high school…a teenage lesbian love story where the main character doesn’t commit suicide is a major step forward.” The Portland Mercury

 

"Keeping You a Secret will give you an updated look at the pressures, emotions and fears that today’s teenagers face while trying to make sense of their own identities. The love story is a joyful one, though marked by pain inflicted by the outside world… the main characters are appropriately complex and convincing, and even the most likable do some unlikable things. A lesbian love story, a self-discovery narrative and a tale of two struggles.” Lambda Book Report

 

Letters and Stories from Wonderful Readers

 

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DEFINE "NORMAL" (Little, Brown and Co., 2000)
ISBN 0-316-70631-0 (HC) : ISBN 0-316-73489-6 (PB)

 

*     An American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults

*     An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

*     An ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults

*     Winner 2003 Oklahoma Sequoyah Young Adult Book Award

*     Winner 2002/2003 California Young Reader Medal

*     Winner 2002/2003 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award

*     Texas Lone Star Master Reading List 2002/2003

*     Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best 2000

*     Missouri Library Association's Best of the Best 1999/2000

*     Iowa Teen Award Finalist 2002/2003

*     Michigan Library Association 2001 Thumbs Up! Award Finalist

 

            "Peters mingles humor and pathos in a novel about two girls on opposite ends of the emotional and financial spectrum. The girls provide neat foils for one another, and Peters gives them depth and dimensionality. The narrative is similarly well-constructed and readers will be surprised by an unanticipated but plausible revelation near the end. Along the way, the book's radiance comes from the lovable humanity of the nimbly nuanced characters." Kirkus Reviews

 

"Peters has a gift for adding some original flavor to solid school-and-friends dramas, and this gives the different-as-day-and-night friendship story heart that readers from both sides of the equation will appreciate." (Recommended) The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

 

"...girls will enjoy the appealing main characters in this after-school-special-style friendship story. A quick, enjoyable read that will also attract reluctant readers. Booklist

 

"This believable book is well written and readers will feel that they know both Jazz and Antonia, and they will want to see them triumph over the frustrations in their lives. School Library Journal

 

"Peters develops clear themes here—look beneath the surface for the real person, appearances may not reflect reality, and everyone has difficulties… The ending is a hopeful one in which the young women learn to accept and help each other. Readers who are looking for believable characters and a good story about friendship, being different, and growing wiser will appreciate Define "Normal." Voice of Youth Advocates

 

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A SNITCH IN THE SNOB SQUAD (Little, Brown and Co., 2001)
ISBN 0-316-70287-0

           

            "This third installment in the Snob Squad adventures lives up to its predecessors...by again blending humor with depth... By the close, everyone has learned that perfection is unattainable, but forgiveness, trust, and loyalty are the foundation of friendship and family. Eminently readable, it's a story strong in plot and memorable characters while offering some powerful insights on sustaining solid relationships." Kirkus Reviews

 

"Here the Snob Squad girls are not only unpopular but also sometimes unlovable, and that's what gives the story depth. Readers will enjoy the entertaining mystery about the theft and the cover-up and appreciate the honesty as Jenny wrestles with issues of friendship, guilt, and loyalty... There's nothing comfortable about this story, except perhaps the power of forgiveness." Booklist

 

"Middle level girls who enjoy Peters's work will want to continue reading the adventures of the four misfits. Jen, the narrator, is as caustic as ever as she views life from the fat side. Issues that are important to young people this age are dealt with realistically, and although there is not a true happy ending, readers see the girls continuing to change and grow together as friends and supporters." Voice of Youth Advocates

 

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ROMANCE OF THE SNOB SQUAD (Little, Brown and Co., 1999)
ISBN 0-316-70627-2 (HC) : ISBN 0-14-131015-4 (PB)

 

            "With laughter and tenderness, this sequel to Revenge of the Snob Squad continues the story of the four sixth-grade misfit girls who become friends. There is mayhem in the science lab, though some of the best scenes are with Jenny's dysfunctional family, whose mealtime resembles a silent battlefield. Even the message is funny: in a wonderful scene, Jenny rages at herself in the mirror about taking responsibility for her own problem and asking for help. Many middle-graders will recognize the dreams of glamour and the painful farce at home and school." Booklist