Module 6 Rainbow Road

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sanchez, Alex. 2005. RAINBOW ROAD. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 68986565.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
While driving across the United States during the summer after high school graduation, three young gay men encounter various bisexual and homosexual people and make some decisions about their own relationships and lives.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDLING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Sanchez’s final book in the Rainbow series is a compelling read for high school readers. The three main characters are struggling with their identities as gay Americans, in addition to teenage angst like acne, athletics and prom.
The character, Kyle, is the one that’s overly stereotypically gay with his feminine glasses and pink hair and language like “Fabulous”. The other characters resent his behavior and it causes friction. When the trio encounters other anti-mainstream homosexuals, there is more conflict. “They’re not freaks, they’re just gay people like us.” The issue of acceptance definitely takes on more than one meaning.
Even though the main characters identify as being homosexual, they still question their sexual identity. “Her rose perfume brought back memories as she planted a tender kiss on his cheek.” Many readers will be able to relate to many of these confusing feelings.
Sexually transmitted diseases, like HIV, are also discussed. Nelson was in an intimate relationship with an HIV positive man. Discussion about condom use not being 100% failsafe is also mentioned. “Even with a condom, he might’ve had some disease besides HIV. Every day the news reports some new drug resistant STD.” These conversations are realistically portrayed and not overly dramatized.
This is a book for mature readers in a high school setting. In addition to sex scenes, transexuality is a major topic and the details of dressing like a woman. “Okay, now pull everything back between your legs.” As important as these topics are for the right audience, it is important to remember that this book was written for older readers.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
“… These boys are distinct personalities and genuine teens, searching for clarity and identity and acceptance, trying to make sense of themselves and a world that can be equally bright and dark. Sanchez writes with humor and compassion. Some mature romance scenes, occasional frank language, and an inclusion of transgender/transsexual/bisexual story lines translate into a tender book that will likely be appreciated and embraced by young adult readers.” SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

“…About halfway through the cross-country journey, however, Kyle begins questioning his relationship with bisexual Jason, and the story becomes more involving as characterization finally takes the driver's seat. Flamboyant Nelson remains annoyingly predictable, alas, but the other two boys are sympathetic charmers, and fans of Sanchez's first two Rainbow novels will certainly want to read this one.” BOOKLIST

D. CONNECTIONS
Read the other books in the Rainbow series and discuss the growth of the characters.