Summer, Jane, ed. Not the only one; lesbian & gay fiction for teens.

SUMMER, Jane, ed. Not the only one; lesbian & gay fiction for teens. Alyson Publications (PO Box 4371, Los Angeles CA 90078-4371). 304p. c2004. 1-55583-834-0. $13.95. JS

LGBT characters are more present than ever in YA novels, but this anthology is still a welcome addition. The stories are set in a variety of times and places with a vast selection of characters, both teenagers and young adults in their twenties, who are coming to terms with their sexuality. All the stories come back to what it means to be gay, how it affects their lives and the lives of those around them, and who it makes them. Many well-known names show up here, such as Leslea Newman, Gregory Maguire, and Brent Hartinger. In Pam McArthur's piece, "It Feels Great," she writes, "I charge you to build a community that is strengthened by your diversity, a community that represents each of you as you truly are." That is exactly the challenge this collection meets.

The many standout pieces and successful representation of a multiplicity of experiences combine to make this collection both informative and enjoyable. The only place this anthology falls short is the fact that it is heavy on the side of characters dealing with their identity/sexuality issues and doesn't present many stories that simply feature gay characters, not struggling to come to terms with their identity but rather already there. Not the Only One is a must-have for any library and an excellent way to introduce readers to LGBT characters. Amanda MacGregor, Boston, MA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.