Will Grayson is very different from the "other" Will Grayson. The two boys, who are from different suburbs around Chicago, meet accidentally and realize they have the same name which kicks off the story. Both Will Grayson's are in high school and neither of them have very many friends, but other than that they are going through very different struggles in their adolescent lives. However, the one friend they do have in common is Tiny Copper. Tiny Copper is not tiny at all, but rather a very large, very loud, gay football player. The story focuses around Tiny Cooper's production of his high school musical "Tiny Dancer" which just happens to be all about his life and growing up gay. While the story is centered around Tiny Cooper and "Tiny Dancer" it also focuses on how both Will Grayson's are trying to figure out new relationships and who they are in high school.
The book is full of witty humor, that will have you laughing out loud. I listened to this book on audio and it was one of the best audiobooks I have ever heard because the actors end up singing the parts from the musical, which if I would have been reading the songs, I would have glanced right over them.
Challenge:
The story is told from two different points of view: Will Grayson one, and Will Grayson two. Both boys use advanced vocabulary, and speak like they are well above their age.
Curriculum Connection & Themes:
This novel could be used to explore voice, word choice, and dialogue and how that contributes to characterization. Teachers Resource Kit from Text Publishing in Melbourne, Australia
- Homosexuality and coming out
- Navigating realtionships - friendships and love
- Confidence in oneself
- Identity and finding oneself
Lexile: 930L
Reading Level: n/a
Interest Level: High School +
Controversial Scenes/Content:
There is quite a bit of bad language used in this book, and Will Grayson two is really rough around the edges and vulgar. Since one of the main themes is homosexuality and coming out, there is a lot of talk of sex and sexuality. There is also underage drinking and fake ids.
Rating: 4.5/5. I really enjoyed this book, and it had me laughing out loud for a good part of the story.
Awards:
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults
NY Times Best Seller