It Gets Better

Grades 7-12.  When advice columnist Dan Savage and husband Terry Miller decided to share their story of coming out and overcoming bullying on YouTube they expected some response.  Dan Savage hoped that maybe 100 videos would be made to encourage LGBT youth to remain strong in their identity.  Instead more than 22,000 responses have been shared, including personal stories from notable American figures, including Ellen Degeneres, Tim Gunn, Perez Hilton, and David Sedaris, as well as words of encouragement from President Barack Obama, Prime Minister David Cameron, Secretary Hillary Clinton, and many more.  In response to the overwhelming impact of the YouTube phenomenon, Savage and Miller have edited a print version of the project, given the same name.  It Gets Better (Dutton, 2011) includes more than 100 essays, some of which were transcribed from the original videos, on the subject of coming out, surviving adolescence, and living rich and full lives out of the closet.  Not only will this book appeal to those dealing with issues of sexuality and bullying, but it will also appeal to those who wish to serve as allies.  It also could appeal to those readers who enjoy the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series; the stories shared in It Gets Better are at once deeply personal, devastating, as well as touching and at times hysterical.    The book also includes curriculum guides for teachers, as well as information on other LGBT support projects, including the Trevor Project, GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education network) and the ACLU LGBT Project.  One excellent feature of the book is found on the back cover; cut-out reference guides for young people who are ready to come out as well as resources for their parents.  This book is essential to those libraries that support a diverse population.  Highly recommended, ****