"A sensitive, realistic portrait of the courage it takes to address and understand homosexuality." --The Boston Globe
"McClain makes a deft debut with this thought-provoking, timely novel. . . . [She] handles the various reactions to Mr. P's homosexuality and, especially, the antagonistic relationship between Janice and Kevin, with an astute eye and sharp sense of humor. Her multifaceted characters go well beyond the categories of good and bad to show that appearances can be deceiving." --Publishers Weekly
"Janice is a strong character with whom many kids, especially those who've been teased, will identify readily, and her love-hate relationship with Kevin is one of the best things about the book. . . . McClain is to be commended for making Mr. P good but not perfect -- in other words, a believable human being. . . . [She] has accomplished her purpose with a minimum of preaching, which is often a difficult feat for a first novelist with a strong message." --Lambda Book Report
No Big Deal is out of print, but you can order the book from Ellen! She has a number of hardcover and paperback copies that she can make available at deep discounts. Teachers and school administrators, take note: No Big Deal is an excellent supplemental book for seventh- and eighth-grade language arts and reading classes.
To send e-mail to Ellen, click here.
