Kissing Kate by Lauren Myracle

ISBN: 978-0-525-46917-9
Dutton Books, NY 2003
198 pages

Plot Summary

16-year-olds Lissa and Kate have been best friends since 7th grade PE class. However, during a summer party Kate leans over and kisses Lissa and suddenly their friendship is over. Lissa doesn't understand why Kate is calling her a lesbian when Kate herself had been the initiator of the kiss. Lissa doesn't even know what her sexual identity is, although she does find Kate beautiful and misses their friendship intensely. With the help of a new friend, Ariel, and some of Ariel's far-out ideas on dreams, Lissa finds acceptance.

Critical Evaluation

Lauren Myracle's first book is a light-hearted look at a teen who's unsure of her sexual identity and upset that her best friend has dumped her. Lissa doesn't really know if she's hurt because she's in love with Kate or if she just misses the friendship. The book depicts Lissa as a sweet, confused 16-year-old but we don't really get a sense of Kate, other than that she is prettier and more popular. The ending of the book doesn't really give us a sense of resolution as Lissa seems still confused of her sexual identity.

Reader's Annotation

High school students Kate and Lissa have been best friends "forever" even though Lissa is surprised at their friendship as Kate is more popular and prettier than she. During a summer party, Kate kisses Lissa and their friendship is forever changed.

Author Info

Lauren Myracle says that her first novel did not come quickly or easily. A graduate of Vermont College's MFA program in writing for children and YA, she formerly worked as a middle school teacher both in the US and in Japan. She grew up in Atlanta but now lives in Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband, Jack Martin and their two sons. She has gone on to write many acclaimed YA novels including ttyl and ttfn.

Genre

LGBT

Curriculum Ties

Life Skills - acceptance of gay teens

Booktalking Ideas

1. Discuss why Kate kissed Lissa, and since she was the one who initiated the kiss, why does she call Lissa a lesbian?

2. Do you think that Lissa's sexual confusion is because she has been raised by an uncle and not by her parents? Why or why not?

Reading/ Interest Level

High school for both, possibly as young as 7th or 8th grade

Challenge Issues and Defense

lesbian theme but only kissing, no sex

light-hearted and tender portrayal of teen's sexual confusion

Library's collection development policy

Many awards including one of ALA's Best Books for YA and Top 10 Books by New Writers, rave review in VOYA.

Why I Included This Book

Lauren Myracle is a popular writer with young adults so I wanted to include at least one of her novels. Her books earn rave reviews and she's won many awards.