SuitabookGlitter Boy
Ian Eagleton
- Reading
- Consider reading alongside the child rather than rushing difficult scenes. Pause to name the difference between identity and insults, ask what support might help, and allow space for feelings about family or bullying.
- Themes
- Standing against homophobic bullying: James is targeted with homophobic insults, tries to hide this from his father, and faces bullying that may involve other pupils. The bullying is presented as harmful and unjust, while the story focuses on its impact and on finding strength to challenge it.
- Identity and authenticity: James is unsure whether he is gay and is working out who he is while other people use ‘gay’ as an insult. The narrative is described as celebrating living freely, being true to oneself and finding people who value you without imposing other people’s expectations.
- Family worry and trusted relationships: James worries about his grandmother’s falls, feels unable to speak openly with his father, and finds support in Nan, Harriet and Joel. Family strain is painful, while friendships and some family relationships provide warmth and support.
- Worth knowing
- Bullying includes homophobic name-calling and is described as escalating. James also worries about his grandmother’s falls and experiences family disruption after his mother leaves; these threads may feel emotionally difficult.