Weetzie Bat, by Francesca Block

Block, Francesca Lia (1989). Weetzie Bat. New York: HarperCollins Publisher.  

ISBN: 9780060736255 / 0-06-073625-9

Summary: Weetzie Bat's life changes when she becomes friends with Dirk, "the best-looking guy at school". This is the first book in a series that follows their adventures in Los Angeles as they create a home with Weetzie's boyfriend, My Secret Agent Lover Man,--a movie director--and Dirk's partner, Duck.  

Additional Comments: Written with simple language and subtle poetry that moves quickly yet is emotionally charged. Readers will enjoy a glimpse into this alternative L.A. lifestyle.

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Levithan, David (2003). Boy meets boy. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.  

Summary: Paul, a sophomore in high school, falls for Noah when they meet in a book store.  Paul's budding romance with Noah gets strained when his ex-boyfriend, Kyle, re-enters his world and results in confusing, conflicting emotions.  

Additional comments:  Paul's high school and community are optimistic examples of how things could be. . .Places where LGBT youth are normalized, and all sexual orientations are accepted without question or harassment.  Kyle, who has grown up in the community, has always been comfortable with his sexuality, but his best friend, Tony, needs his help to come out to his religious parents.  Boy Meets Boy is funny and light at times, but is also emotionally-charged by hurtful relationships.  

Babylon Boyz by Jess Mowry

Mowry, Jess (1997, 1999). Babylon Boyz. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. 

Summary:  The Babylon Boyz are three best friends in Oakland, California, who are outcasts at high school:  Pook for being gay, Dante for a weak heart in need of an operation, and Wyatt for his obesity.  The boys, who mostly get back without adults, befriend Radji, a homeless kid, and Jinx, who is in rehab for crack.  When they stumble upon a suitcase full of cocaine near the docks, they are divided about what to do.  On one hand, if they sell it, the large sum of money would provide them with choices and opportunities, such as Dante's greatly needed and expensive heart surgery, medical school for Pook, and ultimately a way out of "Babylon" where they feel trapped.  On the other hand, they could flush the coke down the toilet and spare the community from the drug that is destroying them.

Additional comments: A vivid and emotionally gripping portrayal of life for young, intelligent men of color who are marginalized and limited by poverty and racism.  Without parents, they lean on each other for support and love.  The male characters are at times hard-edged and others vulnerable and sensitive and despite arguments, always loyal to each other in the end.