So, with "social competencies" in mind I quickly plowed through the books assigned for this week's class...The Hookup Artist tackled the topics of homosexuality and "interpersonal competencies" without being preachy or presenting the main character's sexual identity as the central topic or problem. Instead, the YA novel touched on the realistic issues faced by all teens when dating/match-making, and the fact that Lucas was a gay male looking for a partner was no bigger deal than his straight counterparts also looking for (or rejecting) love. I liked this about the book, besides the token homophobic jock (just a bad guy overall), the sexual identity piece for Lucas was pretty much a non-issue. This was a fun story about two best friends who have fallen for the same guy-yikes-I think teens would relate to the tension and humor as a result of this predicament, the language and conversations seem to reflect young adults I know (except would all teens appreciate the Spanish dialogue? oh wait "cultural competence"). Most young adults can probably relate however to the sensitive friendship issues raised (not speaking for a week to your best friend, talking behind each other's back, peer pressure...) and will admire the candid yet honest portrayal of the characters, I think this book would have been an easy sell if presented during my teen interviews for the last project!
A stranger but still fun read was Avalon High, a book that also raises many of the struggles faced by teens ( being the new kid, figuring out feelings, jealousy) but with quite a twist...I knew right away where this book was headed-yes the Tennyson quotes gave it away- and I thought I would hate it! I was however pleasantly surprised by the strength of the characters and the obvious, yet not too cheesy tie ins to the Arthurian legend seemed clever rather than lame. I think this book would be a great choice as a curriculum bridge for a reluctant reader or for the class to read together (or be read to) aloud. Cabot makes a heavy and sometimes dull history/literature lesson come alive with characters and side issues that young adults can relate to. Avalon High also addresses the internal assets of social competencies through it's projection of teens overcoming conflict and making difficult decisions through effective problem-solving, sensitivity, oh and an ancient sword!
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One of the things that I think is interesting to note about Hookup Artist is that just a few years ago a book couldn't be published where the fact of someone's homosexuality was just a natural part of the story and not a problem to overcome. The turning point cam with David Levithan's Boy Meets Boy where homosexuality was just a natural part of the social world that teens in the story were involved in.
One of the great things about that is that teens are seen being socially competent and incompetent as teens - not because of a certain sexuality. Competency can be easy or hard socially for a number of reasons and sexuality is just one of them.
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