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Childrens book features gay boy A mainstream childrens books publisher has released a novel aimed at teenagers that features a 10 -year-old boys experiences of homosexuality. Strange Boy is thought to be the first gay book aimed at the youth market since the Thatcher government introduced the Section 28 legislation to prevent the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Simon and Schuster, the books publisher, expects schools and libraries to stock it. The novel, by Paul Magrs, describes the main characters sexual development he has a crush on a 14 -year-old friend. While it contains some sex, it is not graphic and is not a dominant theme. Strange Boy also describes the protagonists family problems, bullying at school and his belief that he has magical powers.
Simon and Schuster acknowledged that the decision to place the book on its youth list, aimed at children aged 13 and over, will raise controversy. Stephen Cole, who edited Strange Boy, said: Some people will doubtless pick up on the gay elements of the book, which are treated frankly and honestly, as being shocking and controversial. I would argue that the real controversy of Strange Boy lies in the fact that its not making a big deal out of having a gay child as its protagonist. Its just a given, like the colour of his hair or his love of Marvel comics. This is not an issue book. Magrs, 32, said the book was largely autobiographical, and defended it as an accurate portrayal of a young persons development.
I stick by the truth of it. Its true for me, and it will be true for other people. People from all sorts of backgrounds and persuasions will find something in this book that they will recognise. A review on the cool-reads. co. uk website, which is produced by teenagers for young readers, gave it the maximum five stars.
The reviewer, a 15 -year-old boy, says about the main character: David doesnt have to worry about school, because its the summer holidays. This should mean Davids life is easy, but it isnt, its a chaotic whirl of messed up lives, family feuds, confusing feelings for boys, adults that ask him to tell the truth but seem to prefer it when he lies. David doesnt know whose side to be on, who to turn to, or how to cope in this by turns comic and dramatic story about childhoods end. Jim Mac Sweeney, manager of Britains longest-established gay bookshop, Gays the Word, said there are not many books dealing with homosexuality that are suitable for young teenagers or their parents.
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Research essay sample on Simon And Schuster Strange Boy Book
