Drama

             After finishing the novel, I am still shocked that the book is on the banned book list. Yes, Telgemeier does include an image of two men kissing, but being offended by the image once again proves that the people banning the book have not read it. The kiss between Jesse and West was done within the context of a play, and out of necessity rather than a bold choice by the school. When thinking about why this may offend certain people, I considered how the kiss did lead to West and Jesse pursuing a potential relationship. However, West was still uncertain of his sexual identity, so it was not the kiss that made him gay. Callie goes back and forth between multiple potential love interests, and no one bats an eye. However, when Jesse and West simply talk, parents are concerned that it will teach their children how to be gay. 

In many of the other pieces we have read, I have argued that the lessons and themes outweigh any reasons for the book to be banned. I found it harder to do so with this graphic novel, partly because the reason it is banned is so irrelevant. Two side characters are gay, and one is potentially bisexual. Callie never voices homosexual attraction, rather reacts to it. Despite some people not approving of their lifestyles, queer people exist. Voicing disapproval does not force others to be more straight. Therefore, it is important to teach people how to react when they inevitably meet someone with a different sexual orientation. The novel is just a display of hormonal middle schoolers trying to figure out who is right for them. Callie responded negatively to finding out Jesse was gay, not because she disapproved of his preference, rather because she does not fall into it. However, she apologizes to Jesse and mends their relationship. The novel teaches middle-schoolers that it is okay to still be figuring things out. It teaches kids to apologize when they have acted harshly. It also teaches them to not assume someone's sexual preference, and apologize when they have assumed incorrectly. Honestly, I think the novel could have done more to teach those lessons. Having identical twins both be gay implies a genetic predisposition to homosexuality, which is a dangerous narrative to promote. On the other hand, it shows that two people can belong to the same group and present differently. Moreover, it shows a person’s sexual orientation discovery is a person and unique experience. Jesse and Justin have the same nature and nurture, and Justin was able to come out sooner than Jesse.