The Children and the Woves by Adam rapp - whew!

     The Children of the Wolves by Adam Rapp was a multi-faceted reading experience. I was surprised, disturbed, sympathized, and perplexed.  I have to say, based on those descriptors, Rapp has succeeded.  Though I don’t know his goals or purpose in writing this story, it creates a reality quite different from mine.  Unfortunately, characters like or elements of Bounce, Orange, and Wiggins probably do exist.  I’m reminded that a village is needed to raise a child, and positive role models and supportive adults are needed in the lives of children. 

   
     Not to judge a book by its cover is quite true with this slim, small book. It may seem “easy” and “nice” on the outside, but the inside is combustible (and the yellow, red, and orange of the book jacket certainly lends to the connotation of fire).

    
     I suggested my student volunteer to read it, which she did within 48 hours. I enjoyed our discussion about the story and characters – strong sense of voice, identity, conscience, and actions; it certainly is thought-provoking and could ignite a lively book discussion.  I do, though, recommend this book for mature high school students and adults. 

Good sounds in Beautiful Music for Ugly Children - Kirstin Cronn-Mills

             Cronn-Mills brings humor, sympathy, and awareness to a sensitive, yet important topic. 

             

              Meet Liz. Meet Gabe. Liz is becoming Gabe.  Emotionally and intellectually, Liz is Gabe. She has been making the transition for some time, and she is finally able to share her true self to her family and a couple of close friends. However, just as Liz is having a hard time, her family needs time to digest and reconcile with their own feelings and sudden change in their realities. 

           
            Gabe is a senior in high school, and graduation is approaching.  Soon, Gabe will have the freedom to be Gabe full-time.  In the meantime, Gabe has been given an opportunity to share his passion for music – to be a DJ on the local, community radio station where he hosts his late night show “Beautiful Music for Ugly Children.”  Quickly he garners a strong fan base of hundreds on the Facebook page.    Here, Gabe really can be himself - listeners get to know him– and he can spin some good music. Through the airwaves, there are no judgments, no assumptions, no negativity.

            When Gabe is finally willing to take a chance – to push his comfort zone and put Gabe in public – he gets burned, and burned bad.  Word gets out on the Facebook page and while the number of fans drops immediately, a couple of fans just can’t handle the reality of the situation, and want to hurt him physically. 

            The theme of Elvis Presley is found in the creative titles of each short chapter, and is one of the threads that binds Liz and Gabe to John, the neighbor, mentor, and friend of Gabe. 

            Liz is not gay. She is transgender, and the feelings and reactions portrayed seem to be realistic – there are those who can’t handle such a circumstance, others have enough life experience to accept and support Gabe, and others encounter the roller-coaster of emotions and concerns, and who just need time. 

            While I haven’t read all the LGBTQ fiction available, from what I have read, Beautiful Music for Ugly Children is a needed addition to the collection, for we all have B sides to our A sides.