Rainbow High

Book Description

Jason Carrillo, the best-looking athlete in school, has had his eyes on the prize from day one: a scholarship for college.

But then his eyes turn to love -- and Kyle.

Kyle Meeks, swim team star and all-around good guy, is finally in the relationship he wanted. Being in love feels so good, in fact, that he can't imagine giving it up to go to Princeton.

Something he's worked for his entire life.

Nelson Glassman, outgoing and defiant, might be HIV positive. Jeremy, the boy he loves, is HIV positive. Although Nelson fears testing positive, if he is infected Jeremy might stop protecting him and pushing him away.

They can be together.

High shool's almost over. Graduation is ahead. Life's a bowl of cherries, right? Right...

Customer Reviews:

keep reading.......2007-09-11

This book started off slow really. Then it got really good in the end. I was happy I kept reading it because the ending was so good. Jason comes out to his team and the school loves him for it while Kyle's life in school is the total opposite from his boyfriends. Nelson is thankfully over Kyle and he has a boyfriend. But as we all know, life isn't perfect now that you have a boyfriend. It was really good just not as good as the first book.

At last! Quality gay fiction for teens!.......2007-04-06

Finally, a story about gay teens, while told with honesty and realism, where no one dies. Author Sanchez has a great feel for teen language and motivation. He is also spot-on with the parental and other adult characterizations. The plot teaches without being pedantic and without ceasing to entertain. There's also a couple of scenes that steam lightly with the mildest, yet warm eroticism, but it's certainly not gratuituous in the least and written tastefully and without prurience. As a former young adult librarian, I've so often needed gay fiction to recommend to struggling teens for a bit of bibliotherapy. Until Sanchez, there's been a definite dearth of such literature. Looking forward to reading his other books and highly recommend this one. The eye candy covers are fun, but the content is far more than fluffy hotties looking bored.

Let It All Out!!.......2006-12-07

Rainbow High is a very inspirational book. Especially for the Lesbians, Bisexuals, Gays and Queers. An inspiration because alot of homosexuals are very uncomfortable with the way they look and how they would fit in with the world, and why won't the world except them for who they are. Sanchez shows all of the difficulties and hardships homosexuals endure in the "normal" community, including high school. He also expresses how other people react to their homosexuality, including there very own relatives.

I love this book because it inspires me personally.Alot of people dont except me for being bisexual and its hard. But as long as i stand up for myself and not let anyone control what I want to do and be in life, i'll have alot of respect after words.

Not bad but i wouldn't recommend it.......2006-01-08

Primarily and most improtantly, homophobia wasn't not the true reason behind shaping my ture opinion about this book which i coudn't bear reading till the end. Although Alex Sanchez does a great job in revealing an introspection of the three protagonists Nelson, Jason, and Kyle including their feelings about their homosexuality and their caring about the view from which society would regard them. Instead of bringing forth the disliked subject of homophobia in American society, Sanchez unreasonably talks sublty about this important issues by narrating the story of Jason's coming out. It is surprrising and hardly believable to accept the courtesy by which Jason's schoolmates regarded his coming out and that their role-model is homosexual. In actual life, it's rarely if never oucurring that a large amount of people would easily accept among them someone who according to religion and common rule, is somehow different. In addition to the unusal attitude of the town people, Jason't being interviewed and acclaimed by many for having the courage of coming out is an extreme prasing of being homosexual. Again, i am not a homophobe and i can prove this by expressing how much i liked Rainbow Boys in talking about a negative thing (homophobia) in American history and in it's valuale message to encourage youth in general and homosexuals in particular to accept their fauts and face society.

There Are No Surprises Here.......2005-09-12

Nelson, Kyle and Jason whom we met in RAINBOW BOYS are back again, pretty much as we knew them. Well, Nelson has gone from dying his hair lemon-lime to "flame-blue," an appropriate color since he is certainly the flamer of these three. He is the outrageous one who never had a chance of being in anybody's closet, even if he had wanted to. Kyle is still the shy one on the swim team who can "pass" if left alone. Jason, of course, is the high school jock equally attractive to both young men and women.

There are no surprises here. We pretty much know where Mr. Sanchez is going with his plot. Will Nelson break up with his new boyfriend Jason because he is HIV positive? Will Kyle go to Princeton rather than to a lesser university even though it means he will be separated from Jason? Will Jason come out to the other members of the basketball team? If he does, will he lose his college scholarship? Will they all attend the senior prom?

What this novel does extremely well is provide a story that gay teenagers can read and know that they are not alone, particularly those who live in out-of-the-way towns and attend small high schools. It is comforting to learn that RAINBOW BOYS was an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults.

As in the previous novel, there is information about all kinds of organizations and help for gay teenagers at the end of this novel.

Average customer rating:

Bravo
Loved It
Rainbow Boys
A must read!
A Must-Read!

Rainbow Boys
Alex Sanchez
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

School | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Being a Teen | Social Issues | Teens | Subjects | Books

Sexuality | Health, Mind & Body | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0689857705

Book Description

Jason Carrillo is a jock with a steady girlfriend, but he can't stop dreaming about sex...with other guys.

Kyle Meeks doesn't look gay, but he is. And he hopes he never has to tell anyone -- especially his parents.

Nelson Glassman is "out" to the entire world, but he can't tell the boy he loves that he wants to be more than just friends.

Three teenage boys, coming of age and out of the closet. In a revealing debut novel that percolates with passion and wit, Alex Sanchez follows these very different high-school seniors as their struggles with sexuality and intolerance draw them into a triangle of love, betrayal, and ultimately, friendship.

Customer Reviews:

Bravo.......2007-08-29

From the first to last page I was hooked on this book. It was so good that I am thrilled that the stories continue. Alex you have a new fan!

Loved It.......2007-08-01

I probably do not fit this books demographic!

I'm a 22 year old straight female.

But I LOVED this book, and the other two that follow it. I rarely read at all, but I couldn't put it down, I read it non stop until it was finished.

I felt like the characters were my close friends. The great part about this book and the other two is that it gets right to the action. None of that boring prose about trees and leaves blowing in the wind. Every page is interesting, and it feels like an original story, unlike all the hetero fiction that is out there for teens to read. Did I mention again that I'm straight?

Nelson, Jason and Kyle are remarkable - particularly Nelson, he comes out with some great lines and is a fantastic character.

To be honest, this book rather made me WISH I knew these kids. And that I was a guy. And gay. (Nelson owns my heart)

Kudos to Alex! Excellent book!

Rainbow Boys.......2007-05-09

I loved the book. It could really help young boys who are sturggling with their sexuality. The story line keeps you involved and the context of the story is very appropriate. The book is page turner because it moves at a fast pace and the story line is interesting, your always wondering whats going to happen next. Not only is the context of what is going on with the boys helpful to young adults, but also the family dynamics presented in this book can also have many children relating to these boys struggles.

A must read!.......2007-05-04

This realistic contemporary literature novel covers many social and emotional issues faced by high school students. The problems and solutions were realistic and practical. Fear of rejection, sense of belonging, and the need to fit in were just a few of the underlying themes that were presented throughout the novel. It is difficult for all high school students to understand who they are and everyone fights with trying to fit in, having the right clothing or hairstyle, listening to the right music, saying the right things. But for high school minorities, these challenges are only more obvious as they face so many different difficulties. The characters were well developed and ever changing, allowing the reader to feel as though they really know Nelson, Kyle, and Jason first hand. Sanchez does a great job of producing well-rounded characters with realistic problems. He leads the reader to want to continue reading, waiting to see what will happen to the boys next. The book ends rather abruptly, with many issues yet to be resolved. However, this is Sanchez's way of making you read the sequels, Rainbow High and Rainbow Road. As a reader, I definitely want to go and read the next two books that follow the characters through the remainder of high school and on to their lives after graduation. As frustrating as it was to have the book end without answering all the questions, it is a good author who leaves you wanting more and can get a reader so excited that they can't wait for the next story. A true eye opener of a book, dealing with many adolescent issues. However, not appropriate to be used as a whole class novel even in late high school. There are some very graphic scenes and language that is quite controversial. I think it is a great book that teachers, social workers, and parents should be aware of and it should be available to students on an individual basis. Students who might be part of a gay-straight alliance or who personally seek help and understanding of their own confusions will learn a lot and be able to connect to Sanchez's work.

A Must-Read!.......2007-04-04

First, I am very picky when it comes to books that I select to read. As a special education teacher and doctoral candidate, there just is little time for "fun reading"

When a former student came out to me, I took her to the local GLCC (I am also on its board of trustees). I took her to our library section to see if there was anything she would be interested in. Anything that might make her feel the "normality" of being Gay that I struggled with for so many years. At one time, I was even on the verge of suicide.

Alex Sanchez's books had been recommended to me. I think I even purchased a few -- but they got lost somewhere in my book avalanche. I DO NOT regret brining this book home. It is well written. It shifts from character to character delicately telling their stories. Mr. Sanchez could not have chosen three better characters for his plot. You have the very open Nelson, the "I'm gay but I don't want everyone to know it, yet" Kyle....and my favorite, the jock....Jason. Each has separate struggles. But they help each other through the process.

I wish this book had been written all those years ago when I was afraid and alone. I am ordering the series....and anything else that Mr. Sanchez writes!

As the sponsor of a Gay Straight Alliance, I think this is a great addition to any collection.*

* I do have to admit that they use the "F" word a few times more than I am used to .. but I alo teach high school! But, I realize that that is the way kids talk...and if it helps someone...Hurray!

Average customer rating:

so good
Best Book Ever
The Greatest of the Trilogy!
Friends from East to West
Awesome!

Rainbow Road
Alex Sanchez
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Sexuality | Health, Mind & Body | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 141691191X

Book Description

It's the end of the road....

Jason Carrillo came out to his basketball team and lost his university scholarship. Now that he's graduated, he's been asked to speak at the opening of a gay and lesbian high school across the country -- but what is he going to say?

Kyle Meeks is getting ready to go to Princeton in the fall. When his boyfriend, Jason, mentions the speaking invitation, he jumps at the chance to go with him -- but can their romance survive two weeks crammed together in a car?

Nelson Glassman is happy that his best friend, Kyle, has found love with Jason. Now he wants to find a soul mate of his own and is going to start looking during the road trip -- but will being "third wheel" ruin his friendship with Kyle and Jason?

Customer Reviews:

so good .......2007-09-11

This book is so good that it nearly brought tears to my eyes when I finished reading it. So much happens that I can't even explain it to you all. You have to read it. When I finally finished the second book I couldn't wait to read this one. I read it in a few hours and I seriously felt every moment of this book. It was so believable and incredibly moving and sweet. Alex Sanchez thank you for writing this wonderful series. You now have a life long fan.

Best Book Ever.......2006-12-31

I am very delighted with the book Rainbow Road by Alex Sanchez. This book is a great book for those who are going through homosexual problems. Like not knowing how to come out to your family and friends. But that was mainly covered in Rainbow High. I personally love this book. It helped me understand how life is for the people who are gay. It also taught me that homosexuals are humans with feelings and go through everything we go through and more.
This book also helped me with how to approach a homosexual or how to respond to them too. In this book the three friend encounter a lot of difficult problems. They meet a whole lot of different people. They go through many hardships and other things humans go through. At the end all ends well when the trio still end up friends even though Nelson stayed in L.A. to make a new life with his new lover Manny while Kyle and Jason closer than ever make it back to D.C. Rainbow Road is a great book with a perfect ending and I loved it.

The Greatest of the Trilogy!.......2006-12-29

Friends from East to West.......2006-09-15

In this third installment of Sanchez's rainbow trilogy, we find Kyle, Jason, and Nelson taking a road trip across the country (from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA).

There definitely is something transformative about driving across the country--even more so when you don't do it alone. The excitement, the fear, the being trapped, the feeling infinite...Sanchez did a great job of capturing these emotions. The distinct personalities of Kyle, Jason, and Nelson that Sanchez has developed over the series (Rainbow Boys, Rainbow High, and here in Rainbow Road) gets the chance to unfold even more. We learn more about the characters, we get to watch them grown, and become themselves.

Nelson's utter commitment to being himself shines through.
Kyle's dedication to his friends, and his vulnerability that is matched by his sense of hope are endearing.
And Jason...his perseverance is admirable.

While I worry that the ending is a little too focused on coming out as a panacea, I do like Sanchez's emphasis on the importance of community.

Awesome!.......2006-02-16

Out of three books I love this one the best. The after high school setting was cool for a change and the maturity levels of the characters was better. In this book, Kyle isn't the perfect boy anymore, Jason sees that he can screw up. I like the readers now see some of Kyles flaws and defects, this is one of the best parts of the book. Jason...oh Jason. I enjoyed reading about how Jason questions hes total "gayness" when he sees naked girls and kisses that girl in the club. Thats a big problem many questioning people have and it was nice to see it brought up in a way. Jason and Kyles relationship goes throught its tough times on this trip with is also nice to see becuase not every relationship in the world is perfect. In many ways even though Kyle and Jason fight, their relationship is growing stronger. Then comes Nelson. Nelson, a friend of Kyle and not really Jasons in the other two books. In this book, I like how Nelson and Jason start to connect and Kyle doesnt like that. This is another big problem many teens hae in their relationships, gays and straights. He also wants to find his true love like Kyle found Jason, but he doesnt know if hes ever going to find that til the end of the book in L.A. My all time favorite part of the book is at the end when Kyle knows he want to spend the rest of his life with Jason and that they are going to take it one day at a time, just like the old couple from the diner. I would recommend this book to everyone!!!

Average customer rating:

good
Beautiful Story!
AWESOME BOOK
Woven with Love
excellent intergenerational sensitivity

Abuela's Weave
Omar S. Castaneda
Manufacturer: Lee & Low Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1880000008

Customer Reviews:

good.......2007-10-10

The book is great, but it was delivered to me and completely bent. Could have been prevented had a piece of cardboard been slipped in with the book.

Beautiful Story!.......2006-06-17

This is one of our children's favorite stories. Especially since 5 of our children are adopted from Guatemala. It is a beautiful story of love and family. The illustrations are lovely as well. My Guatemalan born children love to have me read this story to them as well as my birth children.
I highly recommend them book to all families hoping to share a little bit of guatemala with their children.

AWESOME BOOK.......2004-03-19

Abuela's Weave is a very good, accurate book about how the Maya people actually live. I've travelled often to Guatemala and visited many villages. The pictures in Abuela's Weave depict life as it really is in the villages... the Mayan dress, the houses, work, animals. Very good. I read this book often to my 4 year old granddaughter and use the opportunity to educate her on Guatemalan culture and to teach her some Spanish. My cousin, Dominga Sic Ruiz, was born in Guatemala and adopted in the USA. We sell weavings made by the women of a village in Guatemala. The weavings go great with the book...hand in hand...to buy a weaving write to domingasic@hotmail.com Thanks. Mary P.

Woven with Love.......2002-06-18

A beautifully illustrated book written by Omar S. Castaneda who was born in Guatemala and teaches writing at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. The artist, Enrique O. Sanchez was born in the Dominican Republic and has worked as a graphic artist for Sesame Street. Together they create magic.

Esperanza is a girl who is learning to weave with her grandmother, Abuela. On the day of the Fiesta de Pueblos in Guate, they decide to reveal their work to the world.

"Esperanza, however, wore her favorite huipil: it was a white blouse with red, blue and green threads in the rectangular collar. Under that, the colors bled into silver and blue, and hidden within the intricate designs of the blouse were tiny quetzals flying freely in the threads the way they once flew in the great forests of Guatemala."

They have to take a bus and then finally they arrive in the city. Once Esperanza starts to hang up her work, people start to look at the elaborate weavings and some even take pictures. She sells all the items and her grandmother is very proud of her.

A loving story that follows in the tradition of Guatemala's legendary artisans.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

excellent intergenerational sensitivity.......1998-10-22

Buy it! For a delightful experience of a grandmother and granddaughter and how they grow closer through sharing of talent and love, you should read this one.

Average customer rating:

Longing to Belong: Amelia's Road
Amelia's Road

Amelia's Road
Linda Jacobs Altman
Manufacturer: Lee & Low Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 188000027X

Customer Reviews:

Longing to Belong: Amelia's Road.......2007-03-30

This beautifully illustrated and simply told tale of yearning, creativity and hope invites us to wonder about the story behind our supper and the luxury of having a place to call home.

Amelia's Road.......2000-01-19

Amelia's road is an excellent resource for teachers. It can be used as part of a multi-cultural unit or to start off a unit on maps.

Average customer rating:

Great book with a great moral
Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Wish Mr. Sanchez was writing when I was a teenager....
"Getting It" ... in more ways than one

Getting It
Alex Sanchez
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Love & Romance | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 141690896X

Book Description

He clicked on Queer Eye, a show where five gay dudes gave some grungy straight guy a makeover -- plucking his nose hairs, redecorating his apartment, and teaching him to bake a quiche -- so he could confidently propose marriage to his girlfriend and she'd tell him "yes." Which, of course, she did. On TV the guy always gets the girl.

As Carlos watched, he recalled Sal, the supposedly gay guy at school. It was then that the idea first popped into his brain: If Sal truly were queer...could he possibly help Carlos?...Nor to propose to Roxy, of course -- at least not yet -- but to get her to maybe like him?

Customer Reviews:

Great book with a great moral.......2007-01-13

I loved this book. When I got it, I read the entire book in one night. I just couldn't put it down.

The story is not specifically a "gay" story. The main chacter is straight. This is a departure form many books that I have read from gay authors. The whole point of the book is understanding and tolerance. The friendship that developes between Carlos & Sal, is one that serves as a catalyst for a drastic change in Carlos' life. Sal takes Carlos from a nobody to someone, who is starting to know who they are, in the Queer Eye fashion. Through his "lessons" from Sal, Carlos learns how to stand up for himself, be confident in who he is, and be understanding of others who may be different from him.

I really like the book, because it is a book that just happens to have gay characters in it. The sexuality of the chacrters, while being part of the story, is not really the main point of the story.

I highly reccomend that teens and adults across the board read this book. If was can get more people to understand and tolerate the differences in other people, the world would be a better place.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-01-08

High school isn't too bad for Carlos Amoroso, except for the fact that he may be the only guy that hasn't gone all the way--or even kissed a girl. That's only because Carlos is waiting for his crush, Roxy Rodriguez, the most popular girl in school. The only problem is that Roxy doesn't even notice Carlos in the tiniest bit. And it's really bad that Carlos's friends keep on talking about all the girls they've been with.

But Carlos has a plan, which ironically appeared in his brain when he came upon the hit television show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. What better way to have someone notice you than by getting a complete makeover? All he needs is someone to do the makeover for him, and he's found the perfect person, Sal--the guy who everyone thinks is gay. Before he knows it, Sal agrees to help him out, but it comes with a price: Carlos has to pay Sal, and he has to help establish a Gay-Straight Alliance at their school.

With the help of Sal, Carlos takes on a whole new identity. With new clothes and a new hairstyle, along with a room that doesn't look like a dump, Carlos actually looks good. But not only is Carlos changing, but so are his friends, the way he feels about his dad, and the way he feels about Roxy. Could this makeover be for the best, or was it worth it at all?

Alex Sanchez does it again with his newest novel GETTING IT. On the surface, this is a hilarious story that feels like another episode of Queer Eye, but underneath lies serious issues that are prevalent in every high school. Alex Sanchez takes readers on a journey that may possibly change the way the readers view certain issues. This is the perfect book that includes a perfect lesson.

Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen

Wish Mr. Sanchez was writing when I was a teenager...........2006-12-16

This is the third of Mr. Sanchez's books that I have read. Thery are all excellent, and give a positive face to being gay, how difficult, and how rewarding it can be. This book should be read by teens in general; Carlos discovers how rewarding his friendship with Sal is, and how another person, who initially seems to be "different" brings a whole new dimension to his life. I agree with the other reviewer who said that the ending leaves you wanting more, and wanting to know what the future holds in store. I highly recommend it for any young man struggling with his sexuality.

"Getting It" ... in more ways than one.......2006-10-09

Carlos has a big problem: he feels like the only guy in his high school class who hasn't yet managed to hook up with a girl. While his closest friends seem to be born experts at making arrangements over the Internet and the whole "friends with benefits" scene, Carlos can barely manage even to strike up a text-message convo with the opposite sex. Furthermore, when it comes to Roxy, the girl that he most has his eye on, he is at a complete loss -- he gets as clumsy and tongue-tied as a seventh-grader.

After observing his classmates a bit, Carlos realizes that the one guy in his class who seems to feel at ease around girls and show some personal style is Sal. Despite not knowing Sal very well, Carlos hatches a plan to ask for his help. There's only one catch .. these rumors going around the school that Sal is gay. If Carlos starts to spend time around Sal, what will his friends think?

With "Getting It", author Alex Sanchez graduates from the middle-school setting of his previous book, "So Hard To Say", to the edgier, higher-stakes world of high school. With the change of setting comes not only characters who cope more directly with issues such as divorce, sexuality, and love, but the more "adult" situations where these issues play themselves out. It is remarkable how, within the obvious constraints of the young-adult genre, Sanchez manages to navigate this potentially dangerous territory with ease, including some sexually charged scenes without crossing the line into gratuitous detail.

At the center of the story is the "makeover" arrangement between Sal and Carlos. At first very guarded with Carlos, Sal accepts an hourly wage in exchange for his help with Roxy. At the same time he lets Carlos know that there's something more that he wants in return. Hearing this makes Carlos immediately wary himself, but it turns out that what Sal wants is a promise that Carlos will help him with a venture of his own -- the launch of a gay-straight alliance at the high school.

Carlos reluctantly agrees to Sal's conditions and the first part of the book explores how they slowly build a friendship over the course of the next few weeks. Sal helps Carlos with his conversation skills, his manners, his clothing style, even his bedroom decoration. Then, after they have attained a sense of mutual trust, on one particularly auspicious day Sal brings along his boyfriend to meet Carlos. For Carlos the result is even more insight into Sal's world, in addition to an even newer look thanks to an updated haircut and highlights.

As a result of Sal's expert advice Carlos gradually emerges as a new man. He starts to stand out to his classmates and his confidence level grows. His mom notices, his friends notice ... and, most importantly to him, Roxy starts to notice.

There are tough lessons to be learned, of course, and for Carlos this means that the book's title, "Getting It", takes on multiple meanings. Over time it occurs to Carlos that Sal has, in fact, become one of his most down-to-earth and trustworthy friends. As a result he begins not only to question his own assumptions about gay people but to see his other friends and family differently as well. His heightened sense of awareness has repercussions with various friends, including one who cannot seem to come to terms with Carlos's friendship with Sal and another who in fact might be gay himself.

The second part of the book finds Carlos's newly gained self-confidence fueling him toward a series of much dreamed-about encounters with Roxy, but in the time-honored tradition of "be careful what you wish for," the outcome is not quite what Carlos has been expecting. (In a welcome reversal of roles it is Carlos, the boy, who feels used by Roxy, the girl.) Furthermore, a crucial choice that he makes along the way ends up hurting Sal in a way that Carlos has known all along would be unforgivable, yet even as he drives head-on into his decision, he feels incapable of stopping. Sadly, once he gets his head together Carlos realizes that his obsession over "getting it" from Roxy might mean he has lost one of the best friends he's ever had. After disappointing Sal so badly, what could he possibly do to make it up to him?

One of the sub-plots of the book concerns Carlos's relationship with his father, who has remarried following a tense divorce from Carlos's mom and now has a second child with his new wife. Carlos resents how his weekend outings with his dad always seem to revolve more around his dad's new family than him, and for months he's been begrudgingly going along without saying anything. Sanchez effectively depicts how Carlos learns to apply Sal's principles of respect and honesty to his relationship with his father.

This is a terrific book. Sanchez once again captures the world of American youth with accuracy and energy, and his willingness to take on important issues of growing up is most welcome. The interaction and dialog between Carlos, his friends, and his parents is spot-on and totally believable. And, while there is indeed some content of a sexual nature, it is rendered more by alluding to the particulars than direct description, so most parents need not worry on that account.

It is refreshing to find a story for young adults that acknowledges their sexual reality while taking on the issues of what it means to truly be a friend. As a reader you really get to wishing the best for Carlos, so the book's hopeful ending will prompt a smile along with a likely touch of regret over the fact that it has to end at all.

Average customer rating:

Life as we know it........
Not Hard to Read
Funny, Revealing and Tender
Tongues Untied
An eighth-grader's odyssey of self-discovery

So Hard to Say
Alex Sanchez
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0689865643

Book Description

Frederick is the shy new boy, and Xio is the bubbly chica who lends him a pen on the first day of class. They become fast friends -- but when Xio decides she wants to be more than friends, Frederick isn't so sure. He loves hanging out with Xio and her crew, but he doesn't like her that way. Instead he finds himself thinking more and more about Victor, the captain of the soccer team. But does that mean Frederick's gay? He hopes not -- he sees how everyone makes fun of Iggy, a boy all the other kids think is gay. Frederick has to deal with some tough choices: Even though he is curious about Iggy, he's just started fitting in at his new school, and he doesn't want to lose Xio, his best friend.

In So Hard to Say, Alex Sanchez, acclaimed author of the groundbreaking novels Rainbow High and Rainbow Boys, of which School Library Journal said, "It can open eyes and change lives," helps younger readers look at self-discovery, come to terms with being gay, and accept people who are different from them.

Customer Reviews:

Life as we know it...............2006-01-31

Frederick has just moved to California from Wisconsin. His first day of school he meets Xio. They immediately become fast friends and she introduces him to her friends called "the sexies". As they become closer it is obvious that Xio wants to be more than friends. Frederick likes her but for some reason he is not feeling the same attraction. So starts this book where one of the main characters (Frederick) battles back and forth wondering why I am not attracted to this young lady but yet when he sees one of his classmates Victor he daydreams about him. It is a coming of age book where each individuals have to face grown up facts. Frederick that this feeling he has makes him a strong candidate of being homosexual, and Xio who has to come to terms with her father leaving the family and her father too possibly being gay. Great read.

Not Hard to Read.......2005-09-10

A well-hewn story illuminating the subtle gradations involved in coming out, So Hard to Say takes on the challenging task of one 13-year-old boy's progress from childhood to manhood.

Frederick is a typical middle-school student dealing with the maze of finding friends, wanting a girlfriend (maybe Xio, a forward classmate who adores him) and trying to understand his role in a rapidly-changing role.

As he explores his feeling for Xio's friend Victor, a confident, handsome, fair-minded athlete, he slowly comes to realize it's not Xio he loves. On the scene is Iggy, an outwardly gay youth who is tormented at school.

While it might sound like a typical young-adult novel, it certainly is not. Author Alex Sanchez thought this through throughly before writing. The evolution of emotions blossoms perfectly, revealing growth and its counterbalancing immaturity at the same time. Most writers wouldn't take on the story of such a young teen's coming out. But Sanchez does it with incredible skill and inimitable grace.

Funny, Revealing and Tender.......2004-12-01

I just can't say enough good things about Alex Sanchez. I have had the opportunity to meet the author on a few occasions as he swings through Orlando and I must say that getting to know his books is truly getting to know him.

Although his previous books have been about gay youth, this story moves back to junior high, reminding me of all the wonderfully painful moments and realizations made during that time. Fredrick and Xio are two brilliantly written characters who could walk right out of the book they seem so real. There is some very subtle humor written into the plot as Fredrick realizes he is gay and his friend Xio becomes more and more frustrated until the realization hits her as well. A story many of us know all too well. Although the book is written for a much younger audience, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the story, remembering my perspective as a 13 year old. I suspect there will be a follow up to this book as there are just too many possibilities for the transition of this cast as they move into high school.

I don't think I got as involved with this book as I did Rainbow Boys and Rainbow High, but again, it wasn't written with me in mind. I am looking forward to the follow up in the Rainbow series sometime next year.

Tongues Untied.......2004-11-03

Ye who has not written a children's book raise your right hand!

In the age of saturation-and shameless saturation at that-there appears to be not a soul left on planet Earth who has not penned a book for children or young adults. From television show hosts to pop music queens, and from B-movie actors to rowdy political pundits, everyone (particularly the celebrity circuit) has something to say, a lesson to impart, an age to memorialize. Can the success of J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter books have been so effortlessly winning as to inspire an onslaught of dollars-grabbing children's literature on self-acceptance, acceptance of others, stealing, envy, greed, and lying, among other topics?

With much to vie for the attention of consumers these day, and especially young adults (videos and video games, the Internet, the fickle fashion industry, the even more fickle music industry), children's lit has turned into a money chomping machine of its own by turning books into films, and films into a sea of endless merchandising. It is of no amazement if one is left wondering if there really are any substantive lessons being imparted in all these books.

Then there arrives a work like Alex Sanchez's So Hard to Say, and all suspicions are immediately pushed aside. Infectious from the very first paragraph, the author of the highly successful books Rainbow Boys and Rainbow High has again struck gold with a story that is as original and heartwarming as it is insightful and heartbreaking.

At the plot's center are two likeable protagonists. Maria Xiomara Iris Juarez Hidalgo, nicknamed Xio (pronounced C.O.), who is a Leo (like Madonna), is also a plucky, feisty, and funny thirteen year old Mexican-American. Uniquely constructed, chatty Xio is a strong and opinionated chica, who is also by turns insecure and doubtful about the direction of her future. She lives with her mother and younger brother, and feels abandoned by a father who has left the family under mysterious circumstances. On the first day of class, she befriends-and immediately develops a crush on-new student Frederick (not Fred or Freddy or Rick or Ricky), who is a recent Wisconsin transplant to California. They strike up a fast friendship that has deeper implications for Xio. Frederick, on the other hand, is a thoughtful and deliberate fourteen year old, and by turns himself insecure and trepidatious regarding his choices in life. After all, he is experiencing waves of strong emotions that leads him to question his sexuality; he believes he's gay.

While this may sound like a simplistic story (girl meets boy who wants boy), its masterful, sensitive, and intricate execution delivers an admirably satisfying book. Sanchez, a naturally gifted writer who has been twice nominated for a Lambda Book Award, has also created impressive characters who hold up mirrors to the reader, yet are well drawn enough to be individualistic.

Nearly everyone in So Hard to Say, particularly the teen characters, act and react to everything on two levels: intellectually and emotionally, making them the most balanced constructions in recent memory. Case in point: when heartthrob Victor-Frederick's soccer buddy-is confronted with a rumor regarding Frederick's sexuality, he strokes his chin and insightfully ponders the situation, despite his sometimes rowdy and machismo behavior. When Xio is faced with hard truths about her father, she acts out forcefully, but then is adult enough to later sit and discuss her feelings openly with her mother. Frederick's evolution is never more apparent than when faced with a test: should he openly befriend the handsomely dimpled Iggy, who everyone believes is gay, and who gets very little respect from anyone. Even family.

The skillful shifting between thought and emotion, adolescence and maturity, light and heavy moments, and even English and Spanish, makes So Hard to Say easy to digest. Sanchez's ability to move the story along and tighten its dramatic tension without resorting to sensationalism is also remarkable. Everything-and everyone-remains in the realm of plausibility, even as the book moves through character and plot development, and introduces Xio and Frederick's variously colored circle of friends and family.

Poignant and brave at its conclusion, So Hard to Say will leave audiences with warm, lasting impressions of both its subtle lessons and its characters, of whom one can't wait to meet again. Which is saying much, because in the age of saturation-and shameless saturation at that-readers young and old will probably be left cheering three little words to Alex Sanchez: más, más, más. Which in English means more, more, more.

An eighth-grader's odyssey of self-discovery.......2004-10-09

This novel fills an important niche in young-adult literature, telling the story of one boy's coming out experience through his own eyes and from the perspective of one of his close friends at school. Frederick is just starting the eighth grade as a new student at a California middle school. During his first week he meets Xio, a girl of Mexican descent who is immediately attracted to his "kick-butt blue eyes and sandy blond hair spiked in front." Xio and her girlfriends welcome Frederick into their circle, with Xio clearly thinking of him as boyfriend material. But what does Frederick himself want? At first even he is not sure.

Alex Sanchez writes "So Hard To Say" using the alternating viewpoints of his two main characters, Xio and Frederick. Their individual voices are distinct and go a long way toward establishing them as vivid, identifiable people. Xio is outgoing, sometimes brash. Frederick is circumspect, more shy around boys than he is with girls. He also becomes confused as he realizes that Xio is gradually turning up the heat, trying to nudge him into becoming a proper boyfriend for her.

Someone who causes a different kind of confusion for Frederick is Victor, the charismatic boyfriend of one of the girls in Xio's circle. Frederick doesn't quite know what to make of the easygoing attention he gets from Victor, who like many of the boys at Frederick's new school is not afraid to be physically affectionate with another guy. Victor regularly throws his arm around Frederick, nudges into him when they're walking together, puts him into playful headlocks, and at one point even picks him up to throw him onto a bed. As time passes, Frederick finds himself thinking more and more about Victor. He is fascinated by how the other boy's muscular build contrasts with his own, slighter one, and he frames a photograph of the two of them togther and places it at his bedside. He even allows Victor to call him by a nickname ("Rico"), something that nobody else is allowed to do. At first Frederick rationalizes his interest in Victor by noting that other boys at the school also defer to him. It is not until later that Frederick comes to realize that his own feelings go to different depths than theirs.

A peripheral character for most of the story is Iggy, another boy at Frederick's school who is rumored to be gay. Frederick overhears how others talk about Iggy and watches as they treat him like an outcast, so his own initial reaction is one of keeping a wary distance. All the same, he is fascinated by Iggy's dimpled smile and feels mysteriously drawn to him. What keeps him from acting on those feelings is mainly the fear of being thought of as gay himself.

Of course, with pressure from Xio to be her boyfriend and his feelings for Victor only becoming stronger, something in Frederick has to give. During the last part of the book he finally gets a chance to be honest with Xio and to come to terms with Iggy. The book ends on a hopeful note.

In the story teen readers will recognize many familiar artifacts from their own world -- computers, MTV, Playstation 2, instant messaging, email -- although, curiously, cell phones don't enter into the mix. Teens will also recognize many of the issues they themselves deal with in their everyday lives -- unrequited attraction, divorce, the challenge of how to balance the desire to be popular with your sense of what's right and wrong.

At times the character of Frederick tilts perilously close to that of the stereotypical weak, effeminate gay kid (he has "milky white skin", a "pouty mouth", suffers from asthema, and dabbles in interior design) but at the same time he is not afraid of sports and does quite well playing the goalie position in his first soccer game with Victor. I also like how the author takes the reader on a vivid tour of Mexican-American culture, making it a key part of the characters' lives. I think it is great that Wisconsin native Frederick is the odd man out, yet eagerly embraces the new experiences that his California friends offer as they welcome him into their lives.

Sexual content is limited to a scene of necking at the movies, some kissing between various boys and girls, and a kiss between two boys. Parents or teachers may want to discuss the book with very young readers as they make their way through, but I think most teens will be able to handle the material.

Average customer rating:

Outrageously Overpriced

Fairies in Flight (Disney Fairies)
Andrea Posner-Sanchez
Manufacturer: RH/Disney
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0736424687
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Book Description

Fly through the sky with Tinker Bell and all of the Disney Fairies! Each spread of this one-of-a-kind hardcover book has a unique pop-up element that makes it seem as if the fairies are floating before your eyes! Disney Fairies fans will love reading about the fun-filled flying antics of Tink and her friends as they soar above Never Land on gossamer wings.

Customer Reviews:

Outrageously Overpriced.......2007-09-03

This book has 5 bifold pages. That works out to about $2 per page and it isn't worth it. We bought it sealed and will try to return it. There is no story but a bit of text on each page that is way of the heads of pop-up-book fan age.

I have loved all the other Disney Fairies books we have purchased. We have especially liked the chapter books and A Poem for Tink & Mysterious Messages (a much beter value).

Average customer rating:

Excelente orientación
I agree with Alonso Mejia Silva... read his comments!
Right on Target
Excellent!!!
Don't ever buy this book!!!!

Juventud en Extasis
Carlos C. Sanchez , and Carlos Cuauhtemoc Sanchez
Manufacturer: Ediciones Selectas Diamantes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

No ficción | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 9687277017

Customer Reviews:

Excelente orientación.......2006-08-08

La primera vez que leí esta novela era todavía una adolescente, y me ayudó a establecer mis propios ideales con respecto al sexo con estos mismos decidí mi vida conyugal y ahora que soy adulta me doy cuenta que todos los conceptos son excelentes, recientemente la volví a adquirir para mi hija y nos ha sido de mucha ayuda en estos momentos que comienza a enfrentarse a la presión del sexo. Se las recomiendo ampliamente.

I agree with Alonso Mejia Silva... read his comments!.......2006-03-16

This is a silly book for air heads, I read it when I was about 18... and the story was so stupid I couldn't believe a Mexican writer could picture Youth in general to be so stupid... if I am not wrong the story is about a 24 y.o. "kid". I got to say though, that it could be a good attempt to guide your "children"... but you may also offend your "children" if you were to give them this book as a gift. Besides Sanchez is so self serving with this books, he thinks he can come and teach us morale... as Wilde said: "Morality, like art, means drawing a line someplace".

Right on Target.......2005-02-05

This book is probably not very popular with most young people, because it tells them the opposite of what they are keen to hear. However, it is also the way to make it to the other side in one piece. We need more books like this. The author is a very couragous man, something few people are these days! The story is simple, but makes more sense than most complicated books I've read. Bravo!

Excellent!!!.......2005-01-26

This book does not portray MEXICAN YOUTH!!!! It basically describes how most young people think, many do actually believe life is THIS easy. This is a great book for any teenager to read. I totally recommend it!

Don't ever buy this book!!!!.......2004-05-17

Carlos Cuauhtemoc Sanchez was an instant success like 10 years ago in Mexico, it is the kind of thing every one reads... it is a very poor portrait of what a bunch of right winged empty heads would like to believe that Mexican youth is... Truth is that Mexican young people are very much like the global young person... this book is not about México, it is for persons that don't ever read anything. If you can't read Spanish you are missing the hilarious grammar mistakes made by the supporters of this book, it lacks substance, it is like taking a moral lesson and stretching it to the maximum possible length... it is like "Being a right winged/Catholic airhead Mexican for dummies". There are dozens of amazing Mexican books, please, save a few dollars, give them to charity or even burn them to increase greenhouse gases in the environment, all those would be better ways to spending your money.

El misterio de Gaia/ The mystery of Gaia

Average customer rating:

Cuauhtemoc Sanchez, preciso, diferente.
It's ok for what I want...
OK as science fiction, but is really a Christian message

El misterio de Gaia/ The mystery of Gaia
Carlos Cuauhtemoc Sanchez
Manufacturer: Ediciones Selectas Diamantes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

No ficción | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 9687277629

Customer Reviews:

Cuauhtemoc Sanchez, preciso, diferente........2007-03-31

A diferencia de lo que otras personas puedan opinar, yo si creo que Cuauhtemoc Sanchez es un buen escritor, yo tengo sus libros y los he leido todos y en ellos pude encontrar lecciones de vida que son dificiles de encontrar en otros libros sobre todo en esta epoca, si un escritor es capaz de reflejar la realidad en un libro y es capaz de dar respuesta y soluciones a problemas de la vida real, para mi una persona que pueda lograr esto es grandiosa. Este libro como todos los demas es perfecto para cualquier persona pues los libros de Cuauhtemoc son faciles de leer y de enterder y te aseguro que te van a servir de ayuda si la estas buscando y si no, al menos te van a dejar una buena sensacion despues de haber leido sus libros, ojala tengamos Cuauhtemoc por mucho tiempo mas.

It's ok for what I want..........2007-03-15

I ordered this book to use teaching HS Spanish. It has accessible vocab and structures, so it serves my needs well enough. However, although Cuauhtemoc Sanches is an enormously popular writer in Mexico, he's not a very good one. So if it is literature you're looking for, this aint it!

OK as science fiction, but is really a Christian message.......2006-11-22

My 12 year old son read this book for a Spanish language book report (7th grade Spanish immersion student). It is hard to find books that are interesting for him yet still accessible in terms of the Spanish vocabulary. He found this book about a world taken over by evil beings who extract a vital substance from the air to be pretty exciting and readable. However, the author makes it clear that the hero is actually a representation of Jesus Christ who saves the world by dying in a detailed and horrific way. The description of the hero's torture was too graphic for me; I know there are Christians who revel in the details of Christ's passion but I think this book's description was too much for a child's book.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books