The characters were fairly black and white - for or against Alan/Alana. I read CROSSING LINES twice, about four weeks apart, to give myself time to think about this YA novel. I was moved by the article, but didn't think I was qualified to tell the victim's story. He lasted only a few days before he was brutally assaulted by someone who couldn't take the sight of him. I asked him where the idea came from and he said, "I saw a story in a national mag about a male high school teen who went to school in a dress and lipstick. Volponi took on some huge issues for this YA novel. This creates an inner struggle, which culminates in a "choice" at the end of the book. When Adonis is with the girl he likes (Melody) he pretends to be okay with Alan/Alana, when he is with other football players and his family he shows his true colors. Adonis struggles as his sister and mother are open and welcoming to Alan/Alana while he and his father are uncomfortable around him. He's supported by the members of The Fashion Club (Alan is president) and bullied by football players and others who want him gone. The story's point-of-view is presented by Adonis, a football star who doesn't feel comfortable with Alan/Alana's overt sexuality and could even be considered "homophobic." Alan/Alana divides the kids at the school. Crossing Lines will make some people uncomfortable, and that's a great thing! This new YA novel by the King of Urban Fiction addressed a very difficult, painful issue "forced" on students by Alan/Alana who is gay and a crossdresser.
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