Almost Perfect

Wow--that's all I can say at this point about Brian Katcher's YA novel Almost Perfect. I was anxious to read it since it received the 2011 Stonewall Award given annually to "children's and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered experience" (ALA).

It tells the story of Logan, an 18-year-old high school senior in rural Missouri. Fresh off a break up with his girlfriend of three years (Brenda), after she cheated on him (even though they had never had sex). Logan can't think of anyone else. He still waits for Brenda's bus to arrive, just hoping to catch sight of her. His friends think he needs to get over it--especially since he is heading off to college in the fall, and there will be tons of girls there.

Then, a tall, stunning stranger, Sage, arrives in hhis science class. She doesn't dress or act like anyone he knows. Soon, he finds himself attracted to her. He thinks she likes him too, but she is distant. Slowly, he learns some things about her: she was homeschooled for the past few years; she is not allowed to go out at all; she can't date.

Sage sneaks out to go to a movie with Logan and his friends and they hold hands. Later, after more time together they kiss. Then, Sage tells Logan the secret she's been hiding: she's really a boy.

Logan is furious and calls Sage names. They part, now avoiding each other. Yet, Logan can't get Sage out of his mind. And, Sage needs a friend--a friend to support her. So, they become friends.

Yet . . . the attraction between them does not disappear and after a weekend away together things will never be the same.

I won't give away the ending, but suffice it to say, this book will take you on an emotional roller coaster along with Logan and Sage. There is no happy ever after to contradict the plot line. And that's what is powerful.

We know from the news that for this country's GLBTQ teens, life is rough. Yet, there can be understanding. With understanding, things can change for the better.

**If you haven't read Luna by Julie Ann Peters, it also has a male character that wants to transition to a female.

The Stonewall honor books were: will grayson, will grayson (John Green and David Levithan), Love Drugged (James Klise), Freaks and Revelations (Davida Willis Hurwin) and The Boy in the Dress (David Williams), illustrated by Quentin Blake.