GRL2GRL: SHORT
FICTIONS (Little, Brown and Co., 2007)
ISBN-10: 0-316-01343-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-01343-7
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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
BETWEEN MOM AND
JO (Little, Brown and Co., 2006)
ISBN 0-316-73906-5
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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
FAR FROM XANADU (Little, Brown
and Co., 2005)
ISBN 0-316-15881-X (HC) : ISBN 0-316-15971-9 (PB)
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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
LUNA (Little, Brown
and Co., 2004)
ISBN 0-316-73369-5 (HC) : ISBN 0-316—1127-4 (PB)
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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
KEEPING YOU A
SECRET (Little, Brown and Co., 2003)
ISBN 0-316-70275-7 (HC) : ISBN 0-316-00985-7 (PB)
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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
"...
"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
"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
DEFINE
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ISBN 0-316-70631-0 (HC)
: ISBN 0-316-73489-6 (PB)
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"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 "
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
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