• The first young-adult book by lesbian storyteller Ivan E. Coyote, author of 7 previous Arsenal titles, including a novel (Bow Grip), an anthology (Persistence), and 5 story collections.
• Intended audience: 14 and up. No sexual content; minimal swearing.
• Ivan frequently performs at high schools throughout North America, where she addresses students on LGBT, gender, and bullying issues. This book is the result of many teachers imploring her to write a book specifically for young audiences.
• Ivan will be touring with Rae Spoon (author of Fall 2012's First Spring Grass Fire) this fall.
• Ivan has performance videos on YouTube (with more to follow).
• The book includes brand-new stories written for YA audiences (30%), as well as some culled from previous story collections (70%). (Many students have not read Ivan's previous books as they also adult-themed stories.)
• A story by Ivan was included in the popular anti-bullying anthology It Gets Better, co-edited by Dan Savage, in 2011.
• Story highlights include those featuring Ruth, a 12-year-old tomboy; and Francis, a young boy who likes to wear dresses.
• Blurb by Mariko Tamaki (author of acclaimed YA title Skim).
• Strong potential for secondary school, school library, and public library sales, and as a resource for teachers with LGBT students.
• Non-traditional market: LGBT