Glitter Boy is about James, who loves music and performing. He’s invited to sing in a surprise choir performance for his teacher’s wedding, but his father expresses discomfort because the ceremony involves two men getting married.
James himself is experiencing homophobic teasing at school, and is starting to see patterns of intolerance from people he loves and in the world outside of his Nan’s acceptance.
Glitter Boy is a nuanced, heart-warming and character led story of finding joy and love outside of other people’s narrow beliefs. It confronts prejudice with a gentle but truthful touch. Ian Eagleton is a writer with a strong narrative style and this Middle Grade is a beautiful addition to the growing library of LGBTQ+ books. ~ Elle McNicoll's Book of the Month, Guest Editor February 2023
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A Polari-Prize-winning author presents an unforgettable story about a boy facing up to bullying - and his own truths.
James loves dancing, poetry, and Mariah Carey (not in that order, though, because Mariah would obviously be first!). His teacher, Mr Hamilton, is getting married to his boyfriend and it seems that James will be part of a surprise choir performance at the wedding.
But James's father seems uncomfortable about the plan, and a lot of other things - like any mention of Mr Hamilton, and James's dancing, and how James talks about his new friend Joel. Meanwhile, a different boy has been harassing James at school and calling him gay, and it's getting worse every day. James can find relief with his beloved Nan, she's been having worrying falls, and James can't tell anyone, or she might be sent to a faraway care home.
The secrets are building up, and James is starting to lose his characteristic spark. Can he find the strength to let the truth out? A joyful, raw and timely novel about family, friends, enemies, and being true to who you really are.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Glitter Boy and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-12 years old
Glitter Boy features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Recommendations, PSHE: Sexuality, Gender and Relationships, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s, Teenage and Educational, School Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Stories about Family and Friends, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Glitter Boy is available in Paperback
Glitter Boy was written by Ian Eagleton and published by Scholastic
Glitter Boy has 348 pages
£7.19
