Freak Show

St. James, J. (2007). Freak show. New York: Dutton

Summary:

Billy is an outspoken teenage drag queen. Everything is going great until his mother suddenly throws him out of the house and made to live with his father. There he has to go to a school full of judging rich kids. Attending that school is a nightmare, he constantly is tormented by these kids. Although he suffers he always remains the same. He never changes for anybody. After a terrible beating for being gay, a person comes to see him, Flip Kelly. Flip is not someone you would think would talk to Billy. They become good friends to the point where Billy has feelings for Flip although is confused about his feelings.  Billy runs for homecoming queen after a video comes out of himself and Flip. Although he loses it helps give valor to other students about expressing their sexuality.

  

Strengths/Textbook:

Here we see an example of realistic fiction that expresses topics that are hard to talk about. Transgender and homosexuality.  We also see bullying when the rich kids think they are better that Billy and decide to torture him for being different. This book allows for discussion of these topics amongst young adults.  It can help young adults gain their own voice and be proud not ashamed of themselves. Billy’s character shows courage and willingness to help others.

Awards:

ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2008)

ALA Rainbow List (Starred, Young Adult Fiction, 2008)

Michigan Library Association's Thumbs Up! Award (2008.1|Honor, 2008)

ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults (2009.03|Fame and Fortune, 2009)

ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2008)

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2007)

Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children and Teens (2008)

VDL Green Mountain Book Award Nominee (2011)

CCBC Choices (2008)

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