Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Is Nico Di Angelo the First Gay Character in Main-stream Popular Children's Literature?

Yes. I think you could say that he is.
Although you could also argue he isn't depending on just how you define  popular and mainstream.
He is one of the main characters in a series of books with core readers being aged 9 to 12 years old.  Although also loved by teenagers and adults.
Books that have sold in their millions around the world.
Books that have multiple copies in every bookshop and library.

Now I really don't want to upset those who are aware of other earlier books such as

The Misfits by James Howe 

This is definitely a popular mainstream book by a well established author. Published more than 10 years ago and still available in print - with a central character being gay.  If there was any book that could be heralded as the first it could well be this one.

Words That Start with B by Vikki Vansickle


Published in 2011, popular with great reviews, it is the first of a series of three books.  Unfortunately not as widely available - be good if that could change.

Then there are a further pile of books that could be suggested.  Click on the tab at the top of this blog to link to a page with a longer list of kid's books with gay characters.

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