In Mike We Trust

March 1, 2009
Gr 9 Up-Fifteen-year-old Garth Rudd, more comfortable with his homosexuality than his 5' 2" stature, is grieving his father's recent death. Forced to get a job, his understandably overprotective mother has asked him to temporarily keep his sexual orientation secret. When his father's estranged twin appears for a summer visit, Garth's trust is easily gained. Secretly Mike helps him navigate the unfamiliar waters of gay relationships by taking him to bookstores and facilitating dates with Adam, a school friend. Before long, Mike exploits Garth's trust and encourages him to quit his job, lie to his mother, and secretly help him collect money for "charities" instead. Soon the scams become apparent and the teen realizes the truth about his uncle. Now the teen must face his friends and his mother. The author has created a story with a pace that does not falter and a resolution that is realistically achieved. Garth is an appealing character, filled with contradictions, vulnerable while seeking strength, honest with himself but surprised at how easily he is able to lie to others. The author's use of language, at times brilliantly translucent, provides insightful dialogue. This contemporary coming-of-age story set in Richmond, VA, subtly and clearly provides a fresh perspective on teenage sexual identity by imbedding it into the context of the bigger issue of truth.Sue Lloyd, Franklin High School, Livonia, MI

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2009
Grades 8-12 At 15, Garth is increasingly tired of living a lie. Though hes come out to his best friend, Lisa, when he tells his mother hes gay, she insists he keep it a secret. Things then get complicated when, first, Garths neer-do-well uncle Mikehis late fathers identical twinshows up and, second, Garth falls in love with Lisas openly gay friend, Adam, who has (wouldnt you know it) honesty issues. The skein of lies gets increasingly tangled when Mike then involves Garth in certain, uh, fund-raising activities that mustlike Garths sexualityremain clandestine. In his second YA novel, the talented Ryan (Saints of Augustine, 2007) too often sacrifices motivation and plausible characterization for his sometimes top-heavy thematic development. Nevertheless, Garth is an appealing character; his developing relationship with Adam is emotionally engaging, and Mikes increasingly outrageous schemes are ingenious and diverting.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)