In this thoughtful yet searing coming-of-age novel, Bantle offers a raw, honest, and incredibly compelling account of a teenager who learns to accept himself for who he is. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

In this somewhat uneven novel, David comes out as gay, first to himself, and then to friends and eventually to his mother. Along the way, he experiences plenty of angst, from a friend asking him to join the Gay/Straight Alliance he formed, to trying to figure out how to handle a close female friend who wants to be more than his buddy. David even strikes up an intense physical relationship with his track teammate (but while David hopes for romance, Sean tells him, "Guys fool around, you know. Nobody talks about it, that's all"). Readers will be moved by David's struggles, but he never really comes across as an authentic character, and many of the book's devices (like the reassuring counselor he connects with through a gay hotline) seem contrived. There are some exciting moments (David agonizes over a note he gets from a mysterious male admirer, wondering if it's a set-up, for example), but ultimately David's journey seems like well-tread territory. Ages 14-up. (May) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr 9 Up-This is a realistic and compelling story of a young man who finds himself questioning his sexuality. High school student David Dahlgren is a cross-country runner who develops feelings for his teammate Sean. Scared and confused by these new emotions, he tries to stifle them in various ways, including dating a girl and snapping a rubber band on his wrist whenever he thinks about Sean. When Sean begins to express a similar attraction to David, he couldn't be happier. But then David wants more than Sean is willing to give. Bantle describes the teen's emotional roller coaster in such an open and honest manner that readers will feel everything from his anguish to his elation. While this book will have wide appeal due to its universal themes of first love and the search for one's identity, it will be especially intriguing to readers who are struggling with their own sexuality. They will be able to understand and relate to David and his quest for self-discovery. This book will be an excellent addition to any library's GLBTQ collection.-Sarah K. Allen, Thetford Academy, VT Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information