Happy Day of Silence 2008!

When it comes to silence, you might think the library has the market cornered. But for every "Shh!" from a mean librarian is a middle or high schooler who doesn't feel like they can express who they are because they don't want to be harassed about their sexuality or gender.

That's why GLSEN is now promoting the Day of Silence, an opportunity for teens to work together to create a silence that is impossible to ignore (for more info, visit the Day of Silence webpage). This year's Day of Silence was today, April 25th.

In honor of the Day of Silence, I'd like to share with you some of the books featuring lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, allied, and altogether awesome characters that I'd read recently.

Touching Snow, by M. Sindy Felin
When Karina's brutal stepfather almost beats her half-sister to death, Karina needs to make a choice between what's easy and what's right.



Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend, by Carrie Jones
Belle and Dylan were the perfect couple. But one night, Dylan utters the words Belle never expected to hear: "I'm gay." Now Belle gives herself seven days to redefine what love means and move on with her life.



Tale of Two Summers, by Brian Sloan
Hal and Chuck are best friends who've never been apart--that is, until Chuck gets into a prestigious summer theater camp at a university on the other side of Maryland. How will Hal and Chuck pass the time? By discovering sex, love, and friendship in unexpected places--and blogging about it all.



Parrotfish, by Ellen Wittlinger
This funny and heartwarming book features Grady, a transgender teen who navigates family, friends, and budding romance upon coming out.



Happy Day of Silence!

~Joseph
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Main - Teen