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Dance

I AM J

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Beam
Author's First Name: 
Cris
Publisher: 
Little, Brown
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

J has always known he was male, but somehow he was born in a female body. Conflicts with parents who refuse to see him clearly cause J to run away, find a school for LGBT students, and begin the counseling necessary for gender reassignment. While J is not always a particularly appealing character, the author's insight into the mind of someone who feels constantly mis-perceived is arresting. The classic teen theme of searching for and building one's own identity is sharpened by J's gender issue. J's journey strains his relationships with friends and family, but the conclusion is hopeful and positive. This could be a significant book, giving insight into an important but little-explored topic. A list of resources is included. 14 and Up. Valerie Diamond

Born in a girl's body, J knows he’s a guy, but even his parents and best friend can't see him for who he really is. In this nuanced portrait, J's search for self includes attending an LGBT-oriented school and investigating gender-reassignment. LGBT resources list appended.

 
 

JERSEY TOMATOES ARE THE BEST

Jersey Tomatoes are the Best
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Padian
Author's First Name: 
Maria
Publisher: 
Alfred A. Knopf
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Eva and Henry ("don't call her Henriette") have been friends since they were little. Now they are fifteen and these Jersey girls are set to pursue their dreams: Eva off to a summer session at New York School of Dance and Henry off to an exclusive tennis camp in Florida. Henry, completely unaware that she is drop-dead beautiful, catches the eye of th camp's star male player and has some success on the court. Eva, however struggles with her body image and is unable to fight the eating disorder that has been threatening. Full of detail about the high stakes world of junior sports and tennis, this is a satisfying read. It is told in the alternating voices of the two main characters and this intimate narrative along with a well drawn cast of secondary characters gives this novel an extra boost. Fourteen and Up. Deborah Taylor

BALLET FOR MARTHA: MAKING APPALACHIAN SPRING

Ballet for Martha cover
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Author's First Name: 
Jan
Illustrator's First Name: 
Brian
Illustrator's Last Name: 
Floca
Publisher: 
Neal Porter
Publication Month: 
August
Publication Date: 
2010

Strong watercolor compositions and authentic dialog convey the collaboration among Martha Graham, Aaron Copland, and Isamu Noguchi that led to the ground-breaking ballet, Appalachian Spring. Compelling end notes further define the artists and the movement, music, and set design.

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