Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Green, J. and Levithan, D. (2010). Will Grayson, Will Grayson. NY: Dutton.
ISBN: 978-0525421580

Award: ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults (2011)
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Homosexuality
Genre: Fiction
Under bizarre and unlikely circumstances, two boys, both named Will Grayson, lives become intertwined. Tiny Cooper, large and fabulously gay, plays a part in this story of personal growth and recognition.
Summary: The story begins with alternating chapters focusing on the two boys lives. One Will is straight, and tries to keep his mouth shut and not care so he won't get hurt (or have attention). The problem lies in that his best friend is Tiny Cooper, the biggest, loudest, and most fabulously gay teen in the school. The other will (in lower case) is gay, medication grade depressed, and hates just about everything and everyone. His best friend, Maura, who is equally negative, wants more from will, but can't seem to get to him.
The boys have an unlikely meeting under awkward circumstances and from that point on all the characters in the book take a turn for the better. Tiny Cooper's school musical forms the backbone and the clear voice for the teens growth, self awareness, and acceptance.
Evaluation: I chose this book because I find it fascinating that yet another group of under served, and often persecuted, group of people has a place to go to read stories they can relate to. The characters are believable with their awkward teen angst and irrational decision making. The plot developes well, right along with the characters, using both humor and genuine emotion.