It's not clear to me that Dr. Ford has changed the world long-term. History is fickle, and many people are fools. But Dr. Ford did a heroic thing, and many viewers appreciated that. She inspired big portions of America. So--it seems to me--she deserves to be the subject of a picture book. If I wrote for children, that's the story I'd turn to now. I'm actually not sure there's a more important subject, in the world of writing-for-kids, at the present moment.
In that context, I have to say some positive things about Tim Federle's "Nate Expectations." I was perhaps a bit too hard on it. That's because I have such high hopes for Mr. Federle. Despite the flaws, there are many things the book does well, and it's important to notice those things, too.
-"Mom, I'm trying not to drink my calories." It's delightful--and absurd--for a little gay high-school freshman to make this announcement, and it's clear Federle enjoys highlighting the moment. A first in kid's literature. Charming for gay readers--young and old--everywhere.
-"There is maybe a twenty-minute window in any given day when you're in the right mood to hear an aria." This is a moment when Nate is expressing an almost universal feeling among gay men: Kristin Chenoweth sings too many arias. We see Nate in the backseat of a car, suffering through (presumably) "Glitter and Be Gay." When, of course, the thing he'd like to hear is: "Taylor, the Latte Boy." We have all been here. Tim Federle can make you feel "seen."
-"They have demolished the auditorium, and they're building a lacrosse field in its place." Actions have consequences--and little gay kids notice, even when they do not speak their minds.
-"We knew it was over when Elliot's mom didn't get a Tony nomination." A special treat of "Nate Expectations" is that it doesn't just put Nate in a Broadway musical. Oh, no. It puts Nate in a failing, tacky Broadway musical. There's something particularly stinging and *gay* about that particular authorial choice. The opening scene has Nate slowly realizing his show will tank. It's because the one really gifted member of the cast has not snagged her rightful nomination. (It's also striking to me that the character does not get a name; she is just "Elliot's mom." This seems to me to be a quiet observation about Broadway's youth obsession. As any woman over thirty on Broadway will tell you, "Get yourself a TV contract. Or resign yourself to a role once every seven years, as someone's mom.")
-"He hits a perfect high C, but I get the laughs." There are many kinds of performers. Nate is an understudy; he observes that the star, Jordan, has an angelic voice. When Nate goes on, he can't hit that high C. But he is scrappy; he has self-knowledge; he is much funnier than the kid he subs in for. This seems, to me, to be an observation about young gay male tenacity that many gay readers will smile at. You don't need golden pipes if you have a sense of humor.
-"Merrily! Merrily!" Instead of swearing, Nate and his friend call out the names of failed Broadway musicals when they get angry. "Merrily We Roll Along" is one. "Anyone Can Whistle" is another. One of many moments where you see the special bond Nate has with his bestie. (And, again, easy to relate to.)
So, the book was better than I may have suggested, and obviously it's so important for little gay readers to meet this unique character on the page. Would that he had been around when I was ten. Here's hoping that the Dr. Ford picture book makes its appearance soon.
*P.S. I'm away for the weekend! Will return here Monday.
In that context, I have to say some positive things about Tim Federle's "Nate Expectations." I was perhaps a bit too hard on it. That's because I have such high hopes for Mr. Federle. Despite the flaws, there are many things the book does well, and it's important to notice those things, too.
-"Mom, I'm trying not to drink my calories." It's delightful--and absurd--for a little gay high-school freshman to make this announcement, and it's clear Federle enjoys highlighting the moment. A first in kid's literature. Charming for gay readers--young and old--everywhere.
-"There is maybe a twenty-minute window in any given day when you're in the right mood to hear an aria." This is a moment when Nate is expressing an almost universal feeling among gay men: Kristin Chenoweth sings too many arias. We see Nate in the backseat of a car, suffering through (presumably) "Glitter and Be Gay." When, of course, the thing he'd like to hear is: "Taylor, the Latte Boy." We have all been here. Tim Federle can make you feel "seen."
-"They have demolished the auditorium, and they're building a lacrosse field in its place." Actions have consequences--and little gay kids notice, even when they do not speak their minds.
-"We knew it was over when Elliot's mom didn't get a Tony nomination." A special treat of "Nate Expectations" is that it doesn't just put Nate in a Broadway musical. Oh, no. It puts Nate in a failing, tacky Broadway musical. There's something particularly stinging and *gay* about that particular authorial choice. The opening scene has Nate slowly realizing his show will tank. It's because the one really gifted member of the cast has not snagged her rightful nomination. (It's also striking to me that the character does not get a name; she is just "Elliot's mom." This seems to me to be a quiet observation about Broadway's youth obsession. As any woman over thirty on Broadway will tell you, "Get yourself a TV contract. Or resign yourself to a role once every seven years, as someone's mom.")
-"He hits a perfect high C, but I get the laughs." There are many kinds of performers. Nate is an understudy; he observes that the star, Jordan, has an angelic voice. When Nate goes on, he can't hit that high C. But he is scrappy; he has self-knowledge; he is much funnier than the kid he subs in for. This seems, to me, to be an observation about young gay male tenacity that many gay readers will smile at. You don't need golden pipes if you have a sense of humor.
-"Merrily! Merrily!" Instead of swearing, Nate and his friend call out the names of failed Broadway musicals when they get angry. "Merrily We Roll Along" is one. "Anyone Can Whistle" is another. One of many moments where you see the special bond Nate has with his bestie. (And, again, easy to relate to.)
So, the book was better than I may have suggested, and obviously it's so important for little gay readers to meet this unique character on the page. Would that he had been around when I was ten. Here's hoping that the Dr. Ford picture book makes its appearance soon.
*P.S. I'm away for the weekend! Will return here Monday.
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