Little, Brown & Company. 2004.
ISBN 9780316011273.
$7.99. Paperback. 256 pages.
Readers Annotation
Luna hides her true identity from everyone except her sister, Regan. Regan loves Luna even though she is her brother.
Plot Summary
Regan and Liam, work hard to hide Liam’s true identity. Liam is struggling with his sexual identity. He is a transgender who longs to become a woman full time. Regan struggles while keeping her brothers secret, he wants to come out to his family and friends as his true self. Going back and forth in time, Regan narrates her viewpoint of her life growing up with Liam. Regan just wants a normal life but the family is keeping too many secrets. Luna’s attempts to be out in public are difficult and embarrassing for Regan. Luna’s coming out to her father is dramatic, it takes place on her 18th birthday. Dad doesn’t understand, and Mom is outraged that Luna picked that day to come out. Regan doesn’t understand until she thinks about it later. Mom had known all along and kept the secret with Luna and Regan. For Luna to have the freedom to become who she is inside, she must leave her home. She tells Regan that she id doing this for her as well. Regan doesn’t understand the truth in the statement. If Luna stays Regan will forever try to protect her and keep her secret. Luna doesn’t want to live in secret anymore, she wants to fully become a woman. Luna’s departure means freedom for her and her sister, Regan.
Critical Evaluation
Julie Ann Peters ( 1952 -) writes novels that speak to disenfranchised youth. Luna is an important book for many reasons. It assists young people who are transgender and living in difficult circumstances. It brings up the importance of acceptance of all people no matter their differences. It is also difficult to read at times. Peters has created believable characters whose struggle with the truth is faced by many families. There were times while reading the novel that I felt angry with the parents for their lack of involvement in their children’s lives. This kind of realism is what young adult novels are all about. Peters captures the essence of what it is to be transgender and living a secret life with integrity. She also understands sibling dynamics. While Regan loves Liam/Luna she feels deeply ashamed about his status. While it is easy to feel sympathetic about Luna’s plight, Peter’s real hero in the story is Regan who puts up with Luna. When Luna gives Regan her car it is a small payment for putting up with her secrets and demands.
Information about the author
Julie Ann Peters has written a number of books for the GLBT community. She has also won numerous awards for her books. Luna is a National Book Award Finalist, and has been included on the following lists of best books: ALA Stonewall Honor, 2005; ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2005; and ALA popular paperbacks for young adults. You can find out more about her on her website at http://www.julieannepeters.com/files/index.htm.
Her newest book By the Time You Read This I’ll Be Dead, is already generating buzz although it will not be released until January 2010.
Genre
Narrative fiction, contemporary GLBT issues.
Curriculum ties
English and social studies, contemporary issues.
Challenge Issues
Transgender, GLBT
Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Luna-Julie-Anne-Peters/dp/0316011274/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Talk about what it means to be transgender.
2. Talk about Regan keeping Luna’s secret.
Reading Level/Age
Young adult, ages 15 and up.
Why I included this title
Class requirement, and the book is on many best books lists.
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