So, for the past week or so in kidlit, we've been reading this really wonderful novel, Finding H.F. by Julia Watts. Unfortunately for you, it went out of print last year, and it is very difficult to get your hands on--too bad, as it is one of the funniest books (young adult or otherwise) that I've ever read. It is set in (very) small town Kentucky, and the protagonist is a girl named Heavenly Faith--who's a lesbian. The book deals with her coming to terms with herself, realizing how big the world is, taking charge of her own life, having first sexual experiences, and flashing a van full of nuns. Your standard bildungsroman, if you will.
But the issue I'm to address is one of having lesbian (or gay) protagonists in young adult literature, especially in books which deal explicitly with understanding their sexuality, not just as characters who have already become comfortable with it.
I think that these types of books are important, and not in the narrow way one might expect (like when H.F.'s girlfriend's parents leave out "the lesbian little house on the prairie" for her to read, as a hint about what they suspect). Yes, I can imagine a well-written and honest book, like H.F., would be a fantastic thing to stumble across as a teenager struggling with questions about sexuality. But I remember, when I was in seventh grade, getting an anthology of short stories out of the young adult section of the Birmingham Public Library because there was a really colorful cover, and some of my favorite authors were in it. The book was Am I Blue? an anthology of stories dealing with LGBT issues, intended for teens. I remember taking it home and being astonished that something like that was out in the open for anyone to check out. I was embarrassed and fascinated.
I am not overly sheltered. I attended an incredibly liberal fine arts high school, and I have witnessed my fair share of real-life coming out struggles. But in a world where "gay" is so often whispered in public behind a cupped hand, friendly and open books about these issues are necessary.
I am all for young adult books that have lesbian protagonists, just like I am all about books that have Jewish protagonists, black protagonists, and middle class white girl from Birmingham, Alabama, protagonists--because a large reason for young adult lit is to give teenagers something legitimate, whether it be relateable to them, or expand their vision of the world.
And Finding H.F. is absolutely legitimate, whether you follow the "rainbow sign" or not.
But the issue I'm to address is one of having lesbian (or gay) protagonists in young adult literature, especially in books which deal explicitly with understanding their sexuality, not just as characters who have already become comfortable with it.
I think that these types of books are important, and not in the narrow way one might expect (like when H.F.'s girlfriend's parents leave out "the lesbian little house on the prairie" for her to read, as a hint about what they suspect). Yes, I can imagine a well-written and honest book, like H.F., would be a fantastic thing to stumble across as a teenager struggling with questions about sexuality. But I remember, when I was in seventh grade, getting an anthology of short stories out of the young adult section of the Birmingham Public Library because there was a really colorful cover, and some of my favorite authors were in it. The book was Am I Blue? an anthology of stories dealing with LGBT issues, intended for teens. I remember taking it home and being astonished that something like that was out in the open for anyone to check out. I was embarrassed and fascinated.
I am not overly sheltered. I attended an incredibly liberal fine arts high school, and I have witnessed my fair share of real-life coming out struggles. But in a world where "gay" is so often whispered in public behind a cupped hand, friendly and open books about these issues are necessary.
I am all for young adult books that have lesbian protagonists, just like I am all about books that have Jewish protagonists, black protagonists, and middle class white girl from Birmingham, Alabama, protagonists--because a large reason for young adult lit is to give teenagers something legitimate, whether it be relateable to them, or expand their vision of the world.
And Finding H.F. is absolutely legitimate, whether you follow the "rainbow sign" or not.
I like the classification of books providing something "legitimate" and real, as opposed to stereotypes (even stereotypes with good intentions). I would've loved to hear more about your reaction to Am I Blue? but overall I appreciated the anecdote.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Finding H.F. gets most of it's legitimacy from the writing, rather than the subject matter (although looking back I realize I came to this conclusion about your conclusions without you coming out - har har - and saying so... please correct me if I'm wrong).
I absolutely love your allusion to the rainbow sign hymn and theme in the book, as well.
Very nice and well thought out!