Gay-themed novels for young readers enter the mainstream
(Read article summary)Gay characters are finding acceptance in literature for young adults.
Not too long ago teen novels featuring gay characters were an uncomfortable topic for many school librarians and booksellers – to say the least. But today – following in the wake of television and movie acceptance of such characters – it's a very different story. "Kids have for the most part become 'Will and Grace'-ified," one high school librarian told The Associated Press.
This week Borders Time Warner Center hosted a gay young adult reading event in celebration of Gay Pride Weekend in New York. On the panel were seven young adult authors, most of whom had written gay-themed novels. Of the group, one of the most successful has been David Levithan, co-author with John Green of "Will Grayson, Will Grayson."
"Will Grayson, Will Grayson," which debuted on The New York Times children's best-seller list this spring and has become a trending topic on Twitter, is the story of two teens, one gay and one straight, both named Will Grayson, who tell their stories in alternating chapters.
