Garden, N. (1982). Annie on my mind. NY: FSG
This is a realistic fiction young adult novel. It is a
story about Liza, a budding architect whose dream is to attend MIT and her
growing relationship with Annie, an inspiring singer who wants to attend Berkeley.
They met at a museum and began the foundation of a trusting and meaningful friendship.
However they both began to experience e feelings towards each other and their bond
deepens. As they try to sort out their feeling for each other they are also
being pulled in many directions due to external factors. Through Garden’s
character development as the reader you become invested in their relationship
and soon the novel blooms into a love story. A lesbian love story that was
published in 1982! I believe that is the beauty of this novel and how it is
still a valuable read for young adults in the LBGQT community. Think about how
many young lesbian girls might be having the same experiences and emotion as
Liza or Annie. These students may not feel comfortable talking to family or
friends or have many scary and confusing thoughts. The novel speaks volumes to
the powerful books available for the young adult audience. This is a banned
book due to its mature themes and it was published in 1982. I would like to
think that we as a nation of humans have become more sensitive and accepting of
the LBGQT community, but that may not be the case everywhere. This book is
important and valuable piece of young adult literature because of its content
and themes. Like the dedication from Garden “this is for all of us” because we
are the human race regardless sex or religion.
Grade Level: 9-12
Recommend book after reading Annie on my Mind:
Keeping You a Secret by Julie Ann Peters
If You Could Be Mine: A Novel by Sara Farizan
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