The Stone Rainbow

High school senior Jackson is just waiting for a chance to leave his small town, Thompson Mills, and its residents’ small minds, so that he can come out as gay and really start his life. But when a new student, Benjamin, shows up, he finds himself challenged in all new ways: Benjamin is out and proud, and Jackson is enamored. As the two begin a slow dance into romance, Benjamin pushes back against homophobia and is met with slurs, threats, and, eventually, violence. As Benjamin recovers, Jackson has to decide whether he’s willing to stand up in the face of danger and resist intolerance, or return to hiding his identity. Shaw (Caterpillars Can’t Swim) creates a realistically diverse cast in this slow-paced but full-hearted novel. While the story explores the intensity of both first love and vehement discrimination, it also presents joy and hope for its characters, and will likely find fans among YA readers. Ages 12–up. [em](Sept.) [/em]