Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill

August 5, 2019
In a smart coming-of-age story, 15-year-old Wyatt is a closeted teen living in the conservative, Abraham Lincoln-obsessed community of Lincolnville, Ore. Wyatt is pretty certain that Lincolnville isn’t ready to embrace him if he comes out, so he operates under a facade, even—due to a misunderstanding—dating his best friend, Mackenzie. More than ever, Wyatt is feeling guilty, confused, and painfully aware of how much he wants gay role models. But while researching a school report on Lincoln, he discovers correspondence between Lincoln and his best friend, Joshua Speed. Compelling evidence suggests to Wyatt that the president and Speed were in love. When Wyatt excitedly publishes his revelation online (“I mean, if Abe was gay, and great, it shouldn’t be a big deal, right?”), it leads to an epic uproar and an unleashing of homophobia directed at Wyatt. But it also leads Wyatt to find courage and the possibility of romance. Wind integrates a timely discussion about challenging long-held myths about history. Though the third-person narration creates a degree of distance between Wind’s protagonist and the reader, Wyatt’s experiences are nevertheless profound and honest. Ages 12–up.