Absolutely, Positively Not

Absolutely, Positively Not

Written by David LaRochelle

Steven doesn't know if he'll pass his driver's test or if he'll ever understand his parents, but there's one thing he knows for sure: He's absolutely, positively NOT gay. How could he be, when he conscientiously collects photos of girls in bikinis and makes a point to sit at the jock table? So what if he takes a golden retriever to the dance because he can't face telling his mom that he doesn't have a date? So what if he thinks Coach Bowman is, well, extremely, unnervingly handsome. Who wouldn't? Right?

David LaRochelle's first novel is a riotously funny look at the life of a regular boy who's fnding out what it takes to be a real man.

REVIEWS:

"In a touching, sometimes hilarious coming-out story, Steven DeNarski, 16, tries to deny he is gay. . . . The wry, first-person narrative is wonderful as it goes from personal angst to outright farce (Steven takes a pet golden retriever to the school dance). The characters are drawn with surprising depth, and Steven finds quiet support, as well as betrayal, in unexpected places. Many readers, gay and straight, will recognize Steven's need to talk to someone." --Booklist, starred review

"Light, funny and warm-hearted, with a cast of quirky yet recognizable characters, a series of larger-than-life events, and an immediately likeable, sympathetic protagonist." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Gay teen angst has rarely been so funny. . . . this will entertain readers no matter which team they play for." --Kirkus Reviews

"LaRochelle's eye-opening and accurate portrayal of Steven's coming out will ring optimistically true for many teens and their friends who are struggling with sexuality issues. And it's the delivery of his outing, coated in a healthy dose of hilarity, that makes Absolutely, Positively Not a fast-paced, funny, and frivilously frank read." -- School Library Journal

AWARDS:

Sid Fleischman Humor Award 2006
Named a Booklist Top Ten Novel by a New Author
CCBC Choice
Booklist Editor's Choice
ALA Best Book for Young Adults

BUY THIS BOOK:

Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
Book Sense

Summer 2005
Young Adult Fiction
ISBN: 0-439-59109-0
Price: $16.95/$22.99
Trim Size: 5 1/2" x 8 1/4"
Page Count: 224
Foreign Rights: Scholastic
Translation Rights: Scholastic
Rights Available? yes

ALSO SEE:

End, The