Totally Joe

Howe, James. Totally Joe. Antheneum, New York, 2005. 189 pages.  Tr. $17.99 ISBN 9780689839573

Plot Description:

Totally Joe is a companion to James Howe’s The Misfits and centers on the character of Joe Bunch.  The story begins with the student council election from The Misfits.  Even though Joe and his friends lose the election, Joe is thrilled because his long time crush, Colin, likes him too!  Joe has always known he was gay and experiences intense bullying at school because of his sexual orientation.  Totally Joe follows Joe throughout the school year as he experiences his first love and his first heartbreak and coming out to his family.  Joe’s family is very supportive of him, especially his aunt Pam, who helps Joe find the strength to stand up to his bullies and truly be happy with who he is. 

Review:

Joe was my favorite character in The Misfits, so I was delighted to find a companion novel devoted solely to Joe.  Totally Joe is a very uplifting and self-affirming novel which accurately describes the day to day experiences of many LGBTQ tweens.  Joe experiences bullying at school, but he stands up to his bully in part because of the support of his friends and family who consistently stand behind him.  Joe and his friends fight for and organize No Name Calling Day at their school in an effort to end bullying and Addie petitions to start a Gay Straight Alliance.  Addie is initially denied permission to start a GSA, but the school board eventually changes their minds when Joe’s parents, Addie’s parents and others voice the need for a GSA.  But what really convinces the school for the need to have a GSA is Joe, when he comes forward and confesses to being a victim of harassment at the hands of his peers.  This is a great novel that all children and adults who work with children should read.

Genre:

Realistic Fiction

Humorous Fiction

GLBTQ

Reading Level/Interest Level:

Grades 4-6

Similar Books:

The Misfits by James Howe

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Awards/Honors:

ALA Notable Children’s Book 2006

Lambda Literary Award Finalist 2005