Freak Show
St. James, J.
(2007). Freak show. New York: Dutton
Freak Show is
about Billy Bloom who is a unique cross-dressing teenager who ends up at a
private school in Florida’s Bible Belt. Billy endures extreme bullying to the
point of hospitalization, but never gives up on who he really is inside. He
suffers from depression and a few manic episodes, but always returns to school
with his wigged head held high. He slowly makes friends with the coolest of the
cool kids and life becomes slightly easier. He decides to run for Homecoming
Queen and becomes a media sensation. Billy Bloom sees himself as a Super Freak,
but it has taken him years to accept himself even as others don’t.
Freak Show by
James St. James is a contemporary realistic fictional novel that is explores
the world of a homosexual cross-dresser. This novel written from Billy’s point
of view shows his emotional highs and lows and using humor share the message of
tolerance. He frequently uses pop culture references and slang that may or may
not translate as well in the ten years since its publication to young readers. Billy’s
family is highly dysfunctional with his mom (who suffers from mental illness)
and his dad, who is more absent than present. Billy deals with extreme bullying
from his peers at school and adults who ignore it. He strives to break down
social barriers and be different, when different isn’t acceptable. Due to the
friendship of Flip, the football star, Billy is at least physically safe, but
he still puts himself emotionally and romantically on the line. Billy Bloom
never gives up. He never stops being who he is inside, remaining true to himself.
Awards:
SLJ Best Book of the Year (2007)
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