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= Young Adult Literature = = "Discovering Identity through Short-Stories" = Texts

=Short Stories Used:= "Three Mondays in July" by James Cross Giblin Story of a young man confused about his sexual orientation.

"Parents' Night" by Nancy Garden Tells about a relationship between two lesbians, and the struggles of coming out to parents.

"Michael's Little Sister" A male realizes his homosexuality and starts to hate himself because he thinks he is an adnormal monster.



Short Stories Used:
"My Life as a Dog" by Ron Koertge "Experimental fiction that is rooted in the dangers and difficulties of coming out, and how one young man finds and frees himself in a totally unexpected and wonderfully imaginitive way" (Cart 2).

"My Virtual World" by Francesca Lia Block "A haunting and lyrical story that begins in a virtual world when two young people encounter each other online and then develop a heart-felt relationship that will result in surprise...and satisfaction" (Cart 4).

Identity
There are many reasons why reading about identity is beneficial, but when you're young and uncertain of your identity, of who you may be, one of the most compelling reasons is the quest to discover yourself reflected though these stories. Stories about identity offers readers the opportunity to meet those who may-in whichever way- be different from us. The multiple authors write about what it might mean to be gay, lesbian, or transgender. Whether you're transgender, gay, or straight, you will find your own meanings in these stories. A collection of short stories is beneficial to read because the multiple authors provide different view-points and depictions of identity, which makes it easier for a wide-range of readers to relate to. After reading these stories,people in general, not just young adults, will walk away with new beliefs, attitudes, and feelings that these authors demonstrate through their stories.

Links
[|Author and Books News, Downloads, etc.]

[|Aspects of Identity]

[|How Beautiful the Ordinary]

[|Dr. Phil on gender identification]

Related Texts


Who Am I Without Him?: Short Stories About Girls and the Boys in Their Lives There is "The Ugly One," whose only solace comes when she is locked inside her own head. In "Wanted: A Thug," a teenager seeks advice on how to steal her best friend's bad-guy boyfriend. And then there's Erika, who only likes white boys. Sharon Flake takes readers through the minds of girls trying to define themselves while struggling to remain relevant to the boys in their lives. This is a complex, often humorous, always on-point exposition of black youth resolving to find self-worth. . . any way they know how.



This is a dangerous book. Great poetry calls into question not less than everything. It dares us to break free from the safe strategies of the cautious mind. It opens us to pain and joy and delight. It amazes, startles, pierces, and transforms us. It can lead to communion and grace.

Through the voices of ten inspiring poets and his own reflections, the author of Sacred America shows how poetry illuminates the eternal feelings and desires that stir the human heart and soul. These poems explore such universal themes as the awakening of wonder, the longing for love, the wisdom of dreams, and the courage required to live an authentic life. In thoughtful commentary on each work, Housden offers glimpses into his personal spiritual journey and invites readers to contemplate the significance of the poet's message in their own lives.