Bi-Normal

Gr 8–10—Popular and athletic Brett is disturbed about his feelings for Zach, a student in his drawing class, especially since the jock already has a hot girlfriend, Jillia, whom he fantasizes about marrying. Already one of the school's tormentors of gay students like Nate, Brett suddenly feels especially resentful of Nate's "obviousness." However, Nate is his only source of information about his new feelings. When Brett asks Nate for advice on his "friend's" situation, the gay teen suggests that his "friend" might be bisexual, and later introduces Brett to an older bisexual man in an awkward scene at a school baseball game. Furious to be put on the spot, Brett takes revenge on Nate, smashing his car with a baseball bat. Finally forced to face himself honestly, Brett opens up to his father, who proves to be unexpectedly accepting. Brett is a realistically flawed character, and not altogether likable, but teens will feel for him as he struggles with the issues he faces. Other characters are not as well developed; Brett's friends, his sister, Nate, and even Zach appear as stock figures, simply serving to move the story forward. Despite its weaknesses, this is a worthwhile addition to library collections, especially given the lack of material with bisexual characters.—Nancy Silverrod, San Francisco Public Library