Geography Club by Brent Hartinger

ISBN: 0-06-001223-4
HarperTempest, NY
2003 (first paperback edition, 2004)
226 pages

Plot Summary

Gay teen Russel finally comes out to his best friend, Min, only to find out that she is bi-sexual herself. They decide to start a school club but to hide that it's a club for gay teens, they call it the Geography Club. Others, both gay and straight, join the club and Russel has his first love affair.

Critical Evaluation

This semi-autobiographical novel realistically describes what life must be like for a closeted gay teen in high school. Russel, the main character, is especially well-drawn and elicits empathy even when he doesn't behave very nicely.

Reader's Annotation

Who would think that the Geography Club is actually a cover for a group of gay and bi-sexual high school students?

Author Info

Author Brent Hartinger started Oasis, a support group for gay and lesbian young people in Tacoma. He now lives near Seattle with his partner, Michael Jensen and is also a playwright. His new book is called The Last Chance Texaco.

Genre

Realistic LG YA novel

Curriculum Ties

This book could be a good discussion starter in a Life Skills class.

Booktalking Ideas

1. Russel goes on a date with Trish.

2. Russel agrees to meet his chat room buddy at the local park.

Reading/Interest Level

High school for both

Challenge Issues and Defense

Main character is a gay teen who agrees to meet an online buddy at a park

Realistic portrayal of gay/lesbian/bisexual teens could help other gay teens feel like they're not alone.

Excellent reviews from the Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal and ALA Booklist

Why I Included This Book

Buzz about this book led us to use the book in our controversial YA literature presentation