I’m 3/4 through finishing a YA novel that’s getting review-bombed by the Christian right on unfair grounds. (It was banned by a couple different school districts, which is what prompted me to read it.)

I’m finding it’s really a pretty good book. Despite the fact that the author occasionally raises LGBTQ issues without including any queer characters, I’m enjoying it, and if I still had a teenager I would be happy if they read it.

The author isn’t trying to be all inclusive. He’s trying to illustrate the life of a dirt poor Mexican-American youngster in Washington State. He does that job brilliantly.

I honestly don’t think I’d want him to throw in a lot more representation. He’s bringing a world to life vividly and authentically. Getting a peek into that life is enriching, even if he occasionally stumbles with respect to queer ideas.