Summary of Am I Blue

Am I Blue? Coming Out from the Silence edited by Marion Dane Bauer Evelyn V. Johnson Grade Levels and Audience: Am I Blue? Coming Out from the Silence (1994) edited by Marion Dane Bauer presents issues of adolescence and homosexuality in a valuable anthology of short stories. Christine Jenkins (1994, June), reviewing the book for the School Library Journal congratulates the authors for successfully conveying “the very mixed emotions that accompany the acceptance of sexual difference at any age that places a high value on conformity to an established norm.” She recommends the collection for seventh graders and up. (p. 144) Reviewers in The Horn Book Magazine (1994, July/August) note that the sixteen short stories are important statements “about the resilience and hope of adolescents. As a group they form a powerful commentary about our social and emotional responses to homosexuality and our human need for love and acceptance. A remarkable and welcome collection.” They remark that though these stories have homosexuality as a common theme, they are “also stories of love, coming of age, adventure, and self-discovery. This book is recommended for readers “ages 12 through Young Adult.” (p. 457)

Introduction: Am I Blue? Coming Out from the Silence is a collection of short stories for young adults which addresses issues of homosexuality. Some of the protagonists have gay friends or family members, like Willie in “Holding.” Some of these young adults are discovering that they feel attracted to people of the same sex and are questioning their sexual orientation, as in the title story. Others, like the young people in “Parents’ Night,” have determined that they are homosexual and now must confront society, family, and friends. These stories are upbeat and positive. The reader feels compassion and pride for these sincere young people who are simply trying to find acceptance, approval, and love. These stories give readers the hope that the world will finally be kind to