User:IBlinderZ/Draft of Hard Love

Characters

 * John is a lonely writer. He puts his thoughts and feelings on paper but it always seems like he hasn't the time of day from his mother, father, or step-father.


 * Marisol is a "Puerto Rican Cuban Yankee Lesbian" and is very free spirited. She is a very talented writer but can't wait to leave home. She is best friends with John.


 * John's mother was left by John's Dad and is very lonely afterward. She usually sits in the dark and lets John do most anything. Dating Al changed her perspective on men (again).


 * Dianna is a writer who likes John romantically though he doesn't notice.


 * Brian is John's best friend who is not very attractive but still has a girlfriend, Emily.


 * Al is John's step-father and respects John as a man.


 * John's father left his mother. He is a bachelor.


 * Jane, Sarah, Billy, and Birdie are all minor characters in the novel.

Awards

 * Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Book, 1999
 * School Library Journal Best Book of 1999
 * Booklist Editor's Choice, 1999
 * School Library Journal Starred Review, 2000
 * Booklist Starred Review, 2000
 * Michigan Library Association Thumbs Up Award for Young Adult Novels, 2000
 * Lambda Literary Award, 2000
 * Printz Award Honor Book, 2000
 * A YALSA Quick Pick for Young Adults, 2000
 * A YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, 2000
 * New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age list, 2000 and 2001
 * International Reading Association Young Adult Choice, 2001
 * Nominated: Eliot Rosewater (Indiana) High School Book Award, 2001
 * Nominated: Rhode Island Teen Book Award, 2001
 * Nominated: Missouri Gateway Reader's Choice Award, 2001
 * Nominated: Maryland Library Association Black-Eyed Susan Award, 2001-02
 * Pennsylvania School Librarian’s Association list, 2001-02
 * A YALSA Popular Paperback for Young Adults, 2002
 * Finalist: Evergreen (Washington) Young Adult Book Award, 2002
 * Nominated: Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award, 2003-04
 * YALSA's 100 Best of the Best for the 21st Century, 1994-2003