Adam is very positive about his homosexuality at the beginning of the book, yet as events spiral out of control, it is clear that homophobia still exists in our society. How do both Dad and Dante react to Adam’s homosexuality at the beginning of the book – and why do you think they might feel this way? Does Dante still feel the same way at the end of the book?
6. Dante realizes in chapter 38 how he has in the past tolerated a friend’s verbal homophobia. Was he right to believe that ‘It’s just a word. It doesn’t mean anything . . .’ Or are words a form of assault in themselves? Just one step away from what Dad describes as last-century ‘gay-bashing bullshit.’? How hurtful is ‘just a word’ aimed at a minority group? If you have read Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses trilogy, are there similarities between the way noughts are described in that society and Josh’s verbal insults of gays? What is the best way to deal with this kind of attack?
7. Why does Dante believe that Logan has acted like some kind of ‘malevolent puppet-master’?
8. At the end of the book, do you think Adam will keep in touch with Josh? What do you think he might say to him and do you think they could possibly be friends – or even more – in the future?
9. Boys don’t cry . . . What influence on Dante and Adam’s attitudes and actions do you think this belief has had? How do their views change throughout the book? And are there other beliefs they hold about ‘men’ that change? What attitudes do you have about what defines a ‘real man’?
10. And finally . . . what do you think might happen if Melanie should come back and reclaim Emma? How do you think the story might develop?
Further Information
If you feel personally affected by any of the issues within this book, or would like further information, the following websites and helplines may be of interest. Helpline telephone numbers are given for the UK area; but there will almost certainly be similar support services within other countries. Your school or local library may also be able to provide information on help available.
And, of course, don’t forget that you should seriously consider talking to your parent/guardian too, who may be more supportive than you think they will be. As Dante and Adam’s father says: ‘If you need someone to talk to, someone who will listen without judging you, someone who’ll always have your back, I’m right here.’ Many parents and guardians will agree with this statement.
A WORD OF WARNING
Please ensure that you are aware of the need for caution when using the internet. If you should receive bullying or inappropriate messages, images or other material over the internet, report it. The following sites give useful information on on-line safety and what to do if you run into problems.
www.thinkuknow.co.uk
www.kidscape.org.uk
www.childnet-int.org/report
Helplines and websites relating to issues within Boys Don’t Cry:
Teen relationships and sexuality
www.nhs.uk/livewell/sexandyoungpeople for information about adolescence and relationships, including gay relationships, and an online sexual health advice service
www.fpa.org.uk for straightforward advice on contraception, sexual health and pregnancy. Information booklets are available and there are several helplines (all calls confidential):
FPA England 0845 122 8690 (Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
FPA Northern Ireland 0845 122 8687 (Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Single parenting and teen parents
www.coram.org.uk provides specialist support to young parents across London. For further information call 020 7520 0311
www.parentlineplus.org.uk provides help and support for anyone caring for children. There is confidential email support, as well as a 24-hour Parentline helpline: Freephone 0808 800 2222
www.onespace.org.uk for lone parents
www.gingerbread.org.uk organization to help single parents. Helpline: Freephone 0808 802 0925
www.opfs.org.uk for one-parent families in Scotland.
Lone Parent helpline: Freephone 0808 801 0323
Gay Issues
www.lgf.org.uk The Lesbian and Gay Foundation offers advice on coming out, sexual health and relationships, combating homophobia and provides advice by email (
[email protected]) or on the phone:
0845 330 3030 (local call rate; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. staffed; 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. automated)
Emotional Health
www.samaritans.org for confidential support from trained volunteers for anyone experiencing feelings of distress or despair. 08457 909090 (UK); 1850 60 9090 (Republic or Ireland);
[email protected] (email)
International: Befrienders worldwide cover 40 countries. If you live outside the UK and Republic of Ireland or wish to use a language other than English, visit www.befrienders.org to find your nearest helpline.
www.getconnected.org.uk A young people’s help resource for under 25s. Free confidential helpline on any issue, as well as email and webchat support (4.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. everyday) and Webhelp 24/7: an online directory of help.
Telephone helpline: 0808 808 4994 (1 p.m. – 11 p.m. all week)
Malorie Blackman, Boys Don't Cry
(Series: # )
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