Femme

Usually I find Hi-Lo books rather insufferable. With so little room, authors sacrifice good writing. This book was an exception. I fully enjoyed reading the story of Sofie finding out what she wants out of life. Mette Bach approaches the story in a very believable, non-judgmental way and handles all sides of the story with the utmost care. All characters are painted as realistically as possible. There are no true villains and no heroes. Every day people dealing with a major change in their perception as best as they can. It is one of the better "coming out" books I have read in YA lit. I particularly enjoyed how Sofie herself came about realizing her preference was not what she originally thought, how she came out, and how she dealt with the fall out. It makes me believe the author has either been through the experience herself or is very close to those who have. This book presents the reality and prepares students for the same experience from many different perspectives. Also, I loved that Sofie asked Clea many questions that folks have about young lesbians. Fantastic and well-written, this book will find its way into my hi-lo collection on my next book order. Highly recommended.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Because it was Hi-Lo, I assumed it would be cheesy and poorly written. However, I really enjoyed this title, and would probably try others in the series. The main characters struggle with her sexuality was believable and the romance between the two girls was really sweet and supportive. Although hard to read, the bullying aspect was realistic, especially the ex-boyfriend's reaction.

When I first started reading Femme, I hoped Sophie would not end up being gay. It seemed too cliche. Besides, she obviously liked boys. She nearly fainted when she found out Paul liked her. By the end, though, I was really happy for her. She was figuring things out and dealing with each problem as it came. It was especially nice that she doesn't label herself, just accepts that she's still figuring it out: "I once read Q can stand for 'questioning' in the alphabet soup that makes up LGBTQ. I don't know what letter I am and it doesn't matter."

The book is tastefully done, not giving parents a lot to complain about while still giving students an idea about what other kids have gone through when coming out. Sophie falls in love, kisses Clea, gets bullied. It's something I could easily add to my junior high library without wondering if I'll have to pull it later. Great story, likeable, strangely mature characters. I hope Sophie and Paul can become friends again one day.

Femme, by Mette Bach (2015, Lorimer), $9.95 CAD, ISBN: 9781459407671

Recommended for ages 14+

Sofie has it all - she's popular, she's pretty, and she's dating the captain of her high school's soccer team. Schoolwork? That's really not the point of school, is it? Sofie finds herself paired with Clea for an English assignment and isn't thrilled. Not only is Clea a hardcore straight-A workaholic student, she's also - GASP - a lesbian.

Except, Clea's actually pretty cool, and she spurs Sofie on to want to do better. The two become friends, and slowly, Sofie realizes that what she's feeling for Clea is more than just friendship, and what she feels for Paul just... isn't. A college road trip puts Sofie and Clea together, and Sofie discovers more about herself and the world around her. Now, how does she handle everything she's learned?

This is a very sensitive coming out story. Sofie's identifying as a lesbian - a "femme" - occurs gradually through the story, and we see the conflict present for all the characters: Sofie, Paul, her boyfriend, and ultimately, Clea, who has struggles of her own at home and with being the only out lesbian at school. Bach makes sure that this is no fairy tale rendering of an LGBTQ story - there is bullying and small-mindedness here, but with a spark of hope that makes readers believe that honesty and a strong sense of independence will carry the characters through. Multiple perspectives will help readers identify with different ideas and feelings toward the subject matter, and hopefully open a strong dialogue between teens, parents, and educators.

Femme is part of Lorimer's new Side Streets realistic fiction line for Hi-Lo readers. The line takes on edgier material and examines timely topics through fiction. This one will be on my shelves this summer.

Moving and delightful, as I have consistently found Lorimer Sidestreets books to be.