The Rainbow Kite

by Marlene Fanta Shyer

Twelve-year-old Matthew describes the prejudices and struggles that his entire family faces when people learn that his older brother Bennett is gay, and Bennett fails to recognize how much he is accepted and loved for simply being Bennett.

Genres: LGBT

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matthew admits that his older brother is a bit "unusual" - he quits all the things that he's really good at like little league, swimming and even the stamp club. And Matthew notices that Bennett doesn't seem to have any friends anymore. He's always alone. But it all really starts the night Matthew hears Bennett crying. What could be wrong? Matthew is afraid to ask, but it seems that the bullies at school have it figured out. They keep calling Bennett a "3-letter man" which Matthew comes to find out means gay. At first, Matthew doesn't believe it, but things start happening. He catches Bennett looking at strange websites and finds pornographic magazines. But finally, when the bullies start in on Bennett's only friend, Jeremy, his secret is revealed. Matthew is angry, their father is in denial and deeply ashamed and Jeremy's parents make Jeremy pull away. Their kite project, of which Bennett and Jeremy have poured their souls into, is labeled a mistake and they are asked not to fly it at graduation. In despair, Bennett tries to commit suicide.