A HIGH FIVE FOR GLENN BURKE by Phil Bildner

I've long been a fan of author Phil Bildner. His latest book A HIGH FIVE FOR GLENN BURKE is a treasure I can't wait to share. Tapping into his own struggle growing up as a gay boy in a world where being his true self was a frightening prospect. Bildner uses Glenn Burke, a gay baseball player in the 1970's, as a springboard for tackling a tough topic.

Silas Wade loves baseball. His favorite movie is The Sandlot, and he shares tidbits from the film whenever he gets a chance. Silas's best friend is Zoey. They spend every Wednesday together after school singing karaoke. Silas figures Zoey knows just about everything there is to know about him except one thing. Silas is gay. 

It's something Silas has known about himself for as long as he can remember. Lately, he has been feeling that he needs to share this fact about him with someone. In an effort to gather the resolve necessary to make such an announcement, Silas chooses to do a presentation in his ELA class about baseball player Glenn Burke. The presentation is focused on the fact that Burke invented the high five during a game in the 70's. Silas's classmates love the story he tells, but he knows he has told the whole story. He hasn't revealed that Burke was gay.

After watching YouTube videos and reading letters about kids who have come out, Silas decides to tell Zoey the truth. Her reaction is to be supportive, but there's something a bit off about her response. Now Silas really feels like he's living a lie. Does Zoey really understand? Should he tell anyone else? Or should he just keep being the goofy but reliable ball player his family, friends, and teammates know and love?

Bildner stresses that being true to oneself is the most important thing. Silas's coach tells him, "You be you," which gives Silas the needed courage to decide what is best for him.