About This Book
In this Printz Honor novel, fourteen-year-old Ellen grapples with her intense crush on James, her older brother Link's best friend. Her world is turned upside down when a friend suggests Link and James might be a couple. Ellen's journey of discovery leads her to research homosexuality, confront family dynamics, and witness the struggles of those she loves. The book sensitively explores themes of sexual identity, family acceptance, first love, and the complexities of growing up, making it ideal for young adult readers navigating similar questions.
As she tries to understand the closeness between her older brother and his best friend, fourteen-year-old Ellen finds her relationship with each of them changing.
Concepts
Love & FamilySelf-Confidence & IdentityFriendship & LoyaltyCuriosity & WonderEmpathy & KindnessJustice & FairnessSadness & GriefAnger & FrustrationResilience & PerseveranceHonesty & IntegrityFreedom & IndependenceBeing DifferentGrowing UpDeath of a Loved OneCultural IdentityPeer PressureFamily & SiblingsSchool Life
Character Death
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Romantic Content
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Ellen's understanding of love and relationships change throughout the book?
2
What challenges do Link and James face, and how do their reactions differ?
3
How do Ellen's parents react to the possibility of Link being gay, and what does this tell us about family acceptance?
4
What does the book suggest about the importance of honesty and communication in relationships?
5
How does Ellen's research into homosexuality influence her perspective and actions?
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