Keeping You a Secret
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Julie Anne Peters |
| Products | Young adult novel |
Keeping You a Secret is a young adult novel authored by Julie Anne Peters, initially released in hardcover format in 2003, followed by a paperback edition in 2005.
The narrative centers on Holland, a 17-year-old navigating her emerging sexuality while confronting challenges related to homophobia. What starts as an ambiguous "girl crush" gradually leads Holland to acknowledge her same-sex attraction. As her feelings become known to others, she endures both physical and emotional abuse driven by homophobic behaviors.
Keeping You a Secret earned recognition as a finalist for the 2004 Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature and the Stonewall Book Award.
Reception
According to Kirkus Reviews, the novel is "revealing," with an appeal that resonates with readers regardless of sexual orientation, capturing the thrill of first love. The review emphasizes how concealment can harm relationships of any kind.
Publishers Weekly commended Peters for addressing significant themes related to coming out but critiqued the storyline for attempting to cover numerous issues, resulting in some character developments feeling abrupt or forced. Their assessment concluded that although readers will appreciate Holland's pursuit of authenticity, the narrative tends to emphasize its message over storytelling.
The novel also received attention from Booklist.
Awards and honors
Keeping You a Secret was shortlisted for the 2004 Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature and the Stonewall Book Award. Additionally, it appeared on the American Library Association's 2004 Amelia Bloomer List.