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Alan Cole #1
Alan Cole Is Not a Coward
Perfect for fans of Tim Federle and Gary Schmidt, this is a hilarious and poignant tale about the trials of middle school when you’re coming of age—and coming out.
Alan Cole can’t stand up to his cruel brother, Nathan. He can’t escape the wrath of his demanding father, who thinks he’s about as exceptional as a goldfish. And—scariest of all—he can’t let the cute boy across the cafeteria know he has a crush on him.
But when Nathan discovers Alan’s secret, his older brother announces a high-stakes round of Cole vs. Cole. Each brother must complete seven nearly impossible tasks; whoever finishes the most wins the game. If Alan doesn’t want to be outed to all of Evergreen Middle School, he’s got to become the most well-known kid in school, get his first kiss, and stand up to Dad. Alan’s determined to prove—to Nathan, to the world, to himself—that this goldfish can learn to swim.
May the best Cole win.
Alan Cole can’t stand up to his cruel brother, Nathan. He can’t escape the wrath of his demanding father, who thinks he’s about as exceptional as a goldfish. And—scariest of all—he can’t let the cute boy across the cafeteria know he has a crush on him.
But when Nathan discovers Alan’s secret, his older brother announces a high-stakes round of Cole vs. Cole. Each brother must complete seven nearly impossible tasks; whoever finishes the most wins the game. If Alan doesn’t want to be outed to all of Evergreen Middle School, he’s got to become the most well-known kid in school, get his first kiss, and stand up to Dad. Alan’s determined to prove—to Nathan, to the world, to himself—that this goldfish can learn to swim.
May the best Cole win.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
December 27, 2017
I hated this fucking book.
Alan is a kid being horribly abused by both his father and his brother. The premise of the book is that he has to complete these challenges or else his brother is going to reveal Alan is gay. The older asshole brother tells Alan he deserves to be punished.
He's more like a bad guy in a horror movie like Saw than an older brother.
And what makes it all worse is how the author attempts to come up with reasons for dad and brother to be horrible. The reasons are a way I guess to attempt to redeem them?
And the reasons really don't fucking work for me.
Yes, Alan triumphs in the end, but he's still in an abusive home.
Alan is a kid being horribly abused by both his father and his brother. The premise of the book is that he has to complete these challenges or else his brother is going to reveal Alan is gay. The older asshole brother tells Alan he deserves to be punished.
He's more like a bad guy in a horror movie like Saw than an older brother.
And what makes it all worse is how the author attempts to come up with reasons for dad and brother to be horrible. The reasons are a way I guess to attempt to redeem them?
And the reasons really don't fucking work for me.
Yes, Alan triumphs in the end, but he's still in an abusive home.
January 8, 2021
cute, but skirted way too close to abuse apologism for my liking
Rep: gay mc
CWs: domestic abuse, child abuse, emotional abuse
Rep: gay mc
CWs: domestic abuse, child abuse, emotional abuse
April 9, 2017
This book defines its hero, Alan, by so many things--what he wants to be, what he's afraid of, and ultimately how he changes during his quest to prove himself. I just set the ARC of this book down (after starting it several hours ago), and I just want to pick it back up again. I laughed. A lot. And smiled. And *maybe* shed a tear or two. But I walked away feeling like I want to be best friends with Alan. And I also want to steal his best friend, the lovely and quirky and stunningly hilarious Zack. This story is such a great construction of the complicated truths of family and the nature of friendship, that all I want to do is steal people from this book and be their best friend in real life.
March 31, 2017
I was privileged to get a chance to read an ARC of ALAN COLE IS NOT A COWARD, and a privilege it most definitely was. This book was totally different than I expected, but held so much more depth and heart than I could have imagined. I fell in love with Alan and his tentative, fledgling courage, and with the larger-than-life characters and events that come his way. Bell writes with deft sensitivity, and Alan's evolution from spineless "goldfish" to brave, unflinching hero is the kind that made me want to stand up and cheer! If you're a Gary Schmidt fan, I suspect you'll enjoy ALAN COLE, too.
May 16, 2024
Whatever your opinion of Alan Cole Is Not a Coward, it offered something that was almost nonexistent in 2017: middle-grade literature dealing with same-sex attraction. In 2004 Alex Sanchez released So Hard to Say and in 2005 James Howe came out with Totally Joe, but there weren't many other novels told from the perspective of a main character attracted to other kids of the same gender. Alan Cole, a twelve-year-old seventh-grader, has worse problems than realizing he isn't wired like most boys. His father dominates Alan and his brother Nathan, as well as their mother. He obsesses over job promotions and social status, blaming the family when his perfect plans go awry. Nathan, a ninth-grader, is also a physically and psychologically dominant force in Alan's life, who derives satisfaction from keeping his kid brother under his thumb. The reason Alan lacks friends is his vicious older brother, but staying out of his way isn't easy. Nathan is fixated on a game he invented called "Cole vs. Cole", or CvC, in which the brothers perform tasks to prove who is superior. Alan would rather not compete, but Nathan doesn't give that option, and the stakes are higher than ever in the latest CvC: if Alan doesn't accomplish more tasks than his brother from a list of seven composed by Nathan, then Nathan will reveal Alan's sexual orientation to the whole school. How Alan wishes he had guarded his secret more carefully from Nathan, but it's too late for that. His only chance of not being outed is to defeat his brother at this ultimate game of CvC.
Alan isn't popular, but he does all right with his two sort-of friends, Zack Kimble and Madison Truman. They don't know he likes boys, and even if he suspects they won't ostracize him if Nathan spills the beans, he doesn't want to find out. And what would Connor Garcia say if he knew Alan has a crush on him? Connor, the beautiful, athletic boy Alan admires for his assortment of spectacular traits. Alan sets to work on the seven CvC tasks, enlisting Zack and Madison's help without admitting why it's crucial he win. Learning to swim or retrieving a piece of paper hidden by Nathan somewhere in the school shouldn't be impossible, but becoming the most well-known kid in school? Getting his first kiss? Most dreaded of all, standing up to their father? At least Nathan has the same weighty tasks to achieve if he's to win the CvC. He's as terrified as Alan of defying their father.
"Sometimes, when it seems like the whole world is against you, something unexpected—something good—can happen. Maybe it's those moments that make everything else seem less bad."
—Alan Cole Is Not a Coward, P. 106
While trying to complete all seven tasks, Alan, Zack, and Madison become genuine friends. Madison invites Alan to his family's country club to teach him to swim, and Alan sees he isn't the only kid with a strange family. He feels sorry for Madison, whose parents constantly harp on him to lose weight. Zack is more freewheeling than Madison, always joking and acting in charmingly erratic fashion. He's not the type to judge Alan because he's gay. If only Alan could be sure Connor won't turn on him if he learns the truth.
Each task Alan checks off the list angers Nathan, who takes it as an affront that Alan even thinks he could beat him. Nathan's competitive instinct is so warped by their father's behavior that he believes only one brother can be worth anything, and the CvC winner is that brother. He blindsides Alan in his room with punishing physical attacks and harasses Alan's friends, for no reason but his own dark amusement. Alan is sick of his brother chasing his friends away and wishes he could concede the CvC championship without a struggle, but there's too much on the line. Alan will be hated at school if he's outed as gay, won't he? But if he can't compete with Nathan physically or intellectually, how can he win? Maybe it's time for Alan to stop playing his brother's games. Owning his sexual identity in front of everyone might be the only way to show more courage than Nathan can, but it will be the hardest thing he ever does.
"I'd rather have a hard time being myself than an easy time being somebody else."
—Zack, Alan Cole Is Not a Coward, P. 154
Measuring up to So Hard to Say or Totally Joe was a stiff challenge, but Alan Cole Is Not a Coward does its best. Eric Bell skillfully works with shades of gray, not oversimplifying a complex narrative. Nathan is a brooding, bitter antagonist, but comes through for Alan once or twice in ways that prove he isn't all bad. Their father cruelly abuses his power over the family, but isn't without his own deep-seated motivations and pain, a backstory that explains why he acts the way he does. We're all the villain of someone's story at some point, even if only briefly. Alan, by refusing to see himself as a victim, focusing instead on improving and expressing himself as best he knows how, shows he's on the right track as he approaches adolescence. He's unapologetic about exploring his identity, wherever that leads him. Alan Cole Is Not a Coward isn't flawlessly written or plotted, and Alan is nowhere near as nuanced, charismatic, or lovable as James Howe's Joe Bunch, but this book does several things well, and I rate it two and a half stars. I have high expectations for the followup, Alan Cole Doesn't Dance. I feel certain Eric Bell is capable of literary excellence.
Alan isn't popular, but he does all right with his two sort-of friends, Zack Kimble and Madison Truman. They don't know he likes boys, and even if he suspects they won't ostracize him if Nathan spills the beans, he doesn't want to find out. And what would Connor Garcia say if he knew Alan has a crush on him? Connor, the beautiful, athletic boy Alan admires for his assortment of spectacular traits. Alan sets to work on the seven CvC tasks, enlisting Zack and Madison's help without admitting why it's crucial he win. Learning to swim or retrieving a piece of paper hidden by Nathan somewhere in the school shouldn't be impossible, but becoming the most well-known kid in school? Getting his first kiss? Most dreaded of all, standing up to their father? At least Nathan has the same weighty tasks to achieve if he's to win the CvC. He's as terrified as Alan of defying their father.
"Sometimes, when it seems like the whole world is against you, something unexpected—something good—can happen. Maybe it's those moments that make everything else seem less bad."
—Alan Cole Is Not a Coward, P. 106
While trying to complete all seven tasks, Alan, Zack, and Madison become genuine friends. Madison invites Alan to his family's country club to teach him to swim, and Alan sees he isn't the only kid with a strange family. He feels sorry for Madison, whose parents constantly harp on him to lose weight. Zack is more freewheeling than Madison, always joking and acting in charmingly erratic fashion. He's not the type to judge Alan because he's gay. If only Alan could be sure Connor won't turn on him if he learns the truth.
Each task Alan checks off the list angers Nathan, who takes it as an affront that Alan even thinks he could beat him. Nathan's competitive instinct is so warped by their father's behavior that he believes only one brother can be worth anything, and the CvC winner is that brother. He blindsides Alan in his room with punishing physical attacks and harasses Alan's friends, for no reason but his own dark amusement. Alan is sick of his brother chasing his friends away and wishes he could concede the CvC championship without a struggle, but there's too much on the line. Alan will be hated at school if he's outed as gay, won't he? But if he can't compete with Nathan physically or intellectually, how can he win? Maybe it's time for Alan to stop playing his brother's games. Owning his sexual identity in front of everyone might be the only way to show more courage than Nathan can, but it will be the hardest thing he ever does.
"I'd rather have a hard time being myself than an easy time being somebody else."
—Zack, Alan Cole Is Not a Coward, P. 154
Measuring up to So Hard to Say or Totally Joe was a stiff challenge, but Alan Cole Is Not a Coward does its best. Eric Bell skillfully works with shades of gray, not oversimplifying a complex narrative. Nathan is a brooding, bitter antagonist, but comes through for Alan once or twice in ways that prove he isn't all bad. Their father cruelly abuses his power over the family, but isn't without his own deep-seated motivations and pain, a backstory that explains why he acts the way he does. We're all the villain of someone's story at some point, even if only briefly. Alan, by refusing to see himself as a victim, focusing instead on improving and expressing himself as best he knows how, shows he's on the right track as he approaches adolescence. He's unapologetic about exploring his identity, wherever that leads him. Alan Cole Is Not a Coward isn't flawlessly written or plotted, and Alan is nowhere near as nuanced, charismatic, or lovable as James Howe's Joe Bunch, but this book does several things well, and I rate it two and a half stars. I have high expectations for the followup, Alan Cole Doesn't Dance. I feel certain Eric Bell is capable of literary excellence.
March 10, 2019
Please do not give this book to queer kids. This book could be damaging. Spoilers ahead possible. I don't care about covering them.
Big brother is a serious bully. And so is Dad - and coming from an adult, that becomes abuse. The entire book is about a forced outing and the big moment is that Alan decides to come out before he can be outed. This is not growth. This is a script for shame and harm.
The crush object says fucked up stuff too, but then when he comes out in this forced way, it's hunky dory, so long at Alan knows it's not mutual. Random tolerance is not the goal. It just gets you closer to allow more abuse.
Oh, and no one can go swimming because Dad's parents died swimming. But we can't talk about it. And, get this, Dad blames Alan, who got sick, as the reason he wasn't there to save his parents. Come ON now. And that doesn't get addressed or resolved. It's just a wildly dysfunctional parent flailing around. (Mom is around. Mom does nothing.) In in the process, Dad burns Alan's notebook. But he didn't, because the brother replaced it with a decoy. And that's supposed to make him some sort of hero. Also, p. 200, where Dad says to older brother "You should have never been born. All you've done your whole life is disappoint me."
And then the fatphobia comes in, with Madison who everyone just talks about as someone who "needs" to lose weight. Fuck off, book.
On p. 161 there's a quality conversation about introversion. And fuck that even more, because I can't recommend the book to anyone because of the rest of the crap in it.
Also, the brother is tracking down Alan's friends and fucking with them because he's trying to find an imaginary boyfriend Alan let him think exists so that he would leave him alone. What the actual fuck?
In conclusion, don't read this book, and PLEASE don't give it to queer kids.
Big brother is a serious bully. And so is Dad - and coming from an adult, that becomes abuse. The entire book is about a forced outing and the big moment is that Alan decides to come out before he can be outed. This is not growth. This is a script for shame and harm.
The crush object says fucked up stuff too, but then when he comes out in this forced way, it's hunky dory, so long at Alan knows it's not mutual. Random tolerance is not the goal. It just gets you closer to allow more abuse.
Oh, and no one can go swimming because Dad's parents died swimming. But we can't talk about it. And, get this, Dad blames Alan, who got sick, as the reason he wasn't there to save his parents. Come ON now. And that doesn't get addressed or resolved. It's just a wildly dysfunctional parent flailing around. (Mom is around. Mom does nothing.) In in the process, Dad burns Alan's notebook. But he didn't, because the brother replaced it with a decoy. And that's supposed to make him some sort of hero. Also, p. 200, where Dad says to older brother "You should have never been born. All you've done your whole life is disappoint me."
And then the fatphobia comes in, with Madison who everyone just talks about as someone who "needs" to lose weight. Fuck off, book.
On p. 161 there's a quality conversation about introversion. And fuck that even more, because I can't recommend the book to anyone because of the rest of the crap in it.
Also, the brother is tracking down Alan's friends and fucking with them because he's trying to find an imaginary boyfriend Alan let him think exists so that he would leave him alone. What the actual fuck?
In conclusion, don't read this book, and PLEASE don't give it to queer kids.
June 6, 2017
This review was prepared for and appears in School Library Journal.
All Alan Cole has ever wanted is to blend in. He takes care not to let his cafeteria tablemates, Zack and Madison, become his friends. Alan stays quiet at the dinner table so as not to upset his irascible father, and tries to avoid his brother, Nathan, who relentlessly bullies him. One day Nathan forces Alan to play a round of Cole vs. Cole, in which each brother must attempt to accomplish as many of Nathan's proposed seven assignments as possible within a week. The tasks are tough and include learning how to swim, retrieving a slip of paper from inside a broken vending machine, and receiving a first kiss. If Alan loses, Nathan will reveal his biggest secret to the whole school: Alan is gay and has a crush on one of his male classmates. With its well-developed characters, juxtaposition of supportive adult educators and aggressive parents, and message of hope, this novel feels like a contemporary version of Gary D. Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now. Many of the book's most memorable scenes involve its lovable supporting characters, including Zack, a sweet kid who brings new meaning to the phrase free spirit, and Madison, who is named after three U.S. presidents and feels that his name comes with a responsibility to speak as eloquently as possible at all times. A strong debut; recommend to tweens who enjoy realistic fiction, particularly readers looking for stories about LGBTQ kids.
All Alan Cole has ever wanted is to blend in. He takes care not to let his cafeteria tablemates, Zack and Madison, become his friends. Alan stays quiet at the dinner table so as not to upset his irascible father, and tries to avoid his brother, Nathan, who relentlessly bullies him. One day Nathan forces Alan to play a round of Cole vs. Cole, in which each brother must attempt to accomplish as many of Nathan's proposed seven assignments as possible within a week. The tasks are tough and include learning how to swim, retrieving a slip of paper from inside a broken vending machine, and receiving a first kiss. If Alan loses, Nathan will reveal his biggest secret to the whole school: Alan is gay and has a crush on one of his male classmates. With its well-developed characters, juxtaposition of supportive adult educators and aggressive parents, and message of hope, this novel feels like a contemporary version of Gary D. Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now. Many of the book's most memorable scenes involve its lovable supporting characters, including Zack, a sweet kid who brings new meaning to the phrase free spirit, and Madison, who is named after three U.S. presidents and feels that his name comes with a responsibility to speak as eloquently as possible at all times. A strong debut; recommend to tweens who enjoy realistic fiction, particularly readers looking for stories about LGBTQ kids.
May 9, 2017
This is a phenomenal book--unlike anything else in MG. It's funny and clever and entertaining, but it's also much deeper than that. The author handles some very difficult subjects with aplomb. I also really loved seeing a gay main character in MG. This book has real award potential!
February 19, 2020
Ta pozycja o dziwo była naprawdę przyjemna i nie żałuję, że po nią sięgnęłam. Widziałam już wiele negatywnych opinii przez co się trochę jej obawiałam, ale jak się okazało nie miałam czego. Podobała mi się ona bardziej niż "Twój Simon", a do tego nie męczyłam się aż tak przy czytaniu, jak to miało miejsce przy tamtej pozycji. Byłą to lekka młodzieżówka, zdecydowanie dla młodszych czytelników i jestem pewna, że sięgnę niebawem po drugi tom tej historii.
July 6, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced read copy of ALAN COLE IS NOT A COWARD. This book is amazing. It's the story of a boy with everything against him. A bully of a father, a mother who doesn't protect him, and a brother who's following in Dad's footsteps. Alan Cole is so terrified of his brother, he can't even have friends.
From the first moment his jerkwad brother grabs him and threatens to spill Alan's most carefully guarded secret, you'll be rooting for this kid. I fell in love with Alan and the two guys (Zack and Madison) who wouldn't let anything stop them from friendship.
There are so, so, so many moments that will make you angry, sad, joyful, or just glad for the things that go right for Alan. No spoilers, but I also cried a little at the end of chapter 12 because it was so nice to see someone fully and totally in Alan's corner.
I meant to read this a little at a time, but I finished in one day because I just had to know if Alan was gonna be okay. Definitely one of the best characters I've read in a long, long time.
From the first moment his jerkwad brother grabs him and threatens to spill Alan's most carefully guarded secret, you'll be rooting for this kid. I fell in love with Alan and the two guys (Zack and Madison) who wouldn't let anything stop them from friendship.
There are so, so, so many moments that will make you angry, sad, joyful, or just glad for the things that go right for Alan. No spoilers, but I also cried a little at the end of chapter 12 because it was so nice to see someone fully and totally in Alan's corner.
I meant to read this a little at a time, but I finished in one day because I just had to know if Alan was gonna be okay. Definitely one of the best characters I've read in a long, long time.
June 21, 2018
Story:
Der zwölfjährige, introvertierte Alan hat es nicht leicht – in der Schule ist er ein Außenseiter und hängt vorwiegend mit dem durchgeknallten Zack und dem übergewichtigen Besserwisser Madison herum; sein Vater ist kalt, boshaft und sehr darauf bedacht nach außen hin perfekt zu wirken, und sein älterer Bruder Nathan hasst Alan und lässt keine Gelegenheit aus ich zu schikanieren. Zu allem Überfluss muss Alan sich eingestehen, dass er schwul ist, als er sich in seinen Klassenkameraden Connor verguckt. Als Nathan davon Wind bekommt, erpresst er Alan und zwingt ich zu einem gemeinsamen Spiel – Alan muss sieben schier unmögliche Aufgaben bewältigen, ansonsten will Nathan jedem von Alans Homosexualität erzählen. Um nicht zwangsgeoutet zu werden, setzt Alan alles daran, die Aufgaben zu bewältigen – und erkennt dabei, dass er nicht nur treue Freunde hat, sondern endlich zu sich selbst stehen muss …
Eigene Meinung:
Bei dem Kinderbuch „Dieses Leben gehört: Alan Cole – bitte nicht knicken“ handelt es sich um das Debüt von Eric Bellund erschien 2017 unter dem Titel „Alan Cole Is Not a Coward“ in den USA. Die Geschichte um Alan wird im Herbst 2018 in dem Buch „Alan Cole Doensn’t Dance“ fortgesetzt und soll direkt an den ersten Teil anschließen – bleibt zu hoffen, dass auch dieses Buch vom Fischer Verlag übersetzt wird.
Im Zentrum der Geschichte steht der zwölfjährige, künstlerisch begabt Alan Cole, der in sehr zerrütteten Familienverhältnissen lebt und nur selten aus sich herausgeht. Er bleibt zumeist stumm, hält sich und seine wahren Gedanken und Gefühle zurück und lässt die meisten Dinge klaglos über sich ergehen. Sei es sein Vater, der niemanden zu lieben scheint und sein Heim mit verbaler Gewalt und Kälte beherrscht oder sein älterer Bruder Nathan, der Alan zu verachten scheint, seinen Zorn und seine Aggressionen an ihm auslässt und ihn auch körperlich angeht – Alan duckt sich weg und hofft, dass man ihn einfach in Ruhe lässt. Dass er homosexuell ist, macht die Sache nicht besser, denn nichts fürchtet er mehr, als geoutet zu werden. Trotz der teilweise erschreckenden Grundlage, die der Autor für seinen Hauptcharakter festgelegt hat, verströmt die Geschichte eine positive, aufmunternde Atmosphäre, was vor allem an der Veränderung liegt, die Alan durchläuft. Innerhalb einer Woche reift er spürbar, entwickelt sich weiter und findet endlich Selbstvertrauen, Freunde und den Mut, zu sich selbst zu stehen. Eric Bell versteht es, wichtige Themen – (Selbst)Akzeptanz, Gewalt in Familien, Freundschaft und Vielseitigkeit – miteinander zu verbinden und trotz aller brutaler Momente kindgerecht zu vermitteln. Er regt mit seinem Debüt zum Diskutieren über häusliche Gewalt, Mobbing, Homosexualität an – etwas, was man durchaus schon mit Kindern ab 11 Jahren (Altersempfehlung des Verlags) tun kann.
Die Charaktere sind sehr gut in Szene gesetzt und wirken authentisch und in sich schlüssig. Alan ist ein stiller, zurückhaltender Junge, der ungern im Mittelpunkt steht und kein Problem damit hat, am „Wackeltisch“ bei den Außenseitern zu sitzen. Er findet während des Spiels gegen seinen Bruder Nathan immer mehr zu sich selbst und entwickelt eine Stärke, die man ihm am Anfang nicht zugetraut hätte. Schön ist, dass er diese positive Entwicklung auch auf seine Freunde überdreht – Madison beginnt ebenfalls aus sich herauszugehen und sich aufgrund seines Aussehens fertig machen zu lassen und Zack offenbart wie loyal und ehrlich er im Grunde ist – denn er ist der Einzige, der immer er selbst ist, ganz gleich was andere sagen.
Auch die übrigen Figuren sind gut umgesetzt – sei es Alans Vater, dem man nur wenig Sympathien entgegenbringen kann oder Nathan, der wirklich furchtbar hasserfüllt ist. Eric Bell führt zwar Gründe an, warum die beiden so sind, wie sie sind, doch hier hätte ich mir mehr Tiefgang gewünscht – gerade was Nathan betrifft. Vielleicht baut der Autor dies in Band 2 ja weiter aus und gibt mehr Einblicke in die Hintergründe der Familie.
Stilistisch gibt es nichts zu bemängeln – Eric Bell hat einen sehr schönen, lebhaften und humorvollen Schreibstil, der sich gut lesen lässt. Auch Kinder sollten damit keine Probleme haben, denn der Autor verpackt die Themen kindgerecht und lockert vieles durch Alans Gedanken auf, die sich mal ernst, mal humorvoll mit den Ereignissen beschäftigen. Gleichzeitig nimmt Eric Bell kein Blatt vor den Mund, wenn es um Alans Probleme mit seinem Bruder und seinem Vater geht – er beschreibt offen und direkt, was Alan alles über sich ergehen lassen muss. Das ist für Kinder natürlich harter Tobak, doch gleichzeitig eine passende Basis für gemeinsame Gespräche über derartig ernste Themen.
Fazit:
„Dieses Leben gehört: Alan Cole – bitte nicht knicken“ ist ein Kinder- und Jugendbuch, das in vielfacher Hinsicht aus der breiten Masse hervorsticht und eine Menge ernster, wichtiger Themen behandelt, die man durchaus auch einem 11-jährigen Kind vorsetzen kann. Eric Bell erzählt eine bittersüße Geschichte über Akzeptanz, Mut und Freundschaft, schafft sympathische, authentische Charaktere, die man gerne begleitet und bleibt trotz aller schrecklicher Ereignisse mutmachend und aufbauend. Eric Bell ist mit seiner angenehmen, humorvollen Sprache ein wahres Kunststück gelungen, denn kaum einem gelingt es solch schwierige Themen wirklich kindgerecht und mit der notwendigen Sensibilität zu verpacken. „Dieses Leben gehört: Alan Cole – bitte nicht knicken“ ist auf jeden Fall zu empfehlen – gerade, weil es im Kinderbuchbereich nur sehr wenige Bücher gibt, die das Thema Homosexualität aufgreifen und behandeln.
Der zwölfjährige, introvertierte Alan hat es nicht leicht – in der Schule ist er ein Außenseiter und hängt vorwiegend mit dem durchgeknallten Zack und dem übergewichtigen Besserwisser Madison herum; sein Vater ist kalt, boshaft und sehr darauf bedacht nach außen hin perfekt zu wirken, und sein älterer Bruder Nathan hasst Alan und lässt keine Gelegenheit aus ich zu schikanieren. Zu allem Überfluss muss Alan sich eingestehen, dass er schwul ist, als er sich in seinen Klassenkameraden Connor verguckt. Als Nathan davon Wind bekommt, erpresst er Alan und zwingt ich zu einem gemeinsamen Spiel – Alan muss sieben schier unmögliche Aufgaben bewältigen, ansonsten will Nathan jedem von Alans Homosexualität erzählen. Um nicht zwangsgeoutet zu werden, setzt Alan alles daran, die Aufgaben zu bewältigen – und erkennt dabei, dass er nicht nur treue Freunde hat, sondern endlich zu sich selbst stehen muss …
Eigene Meinung:
Bei dem Kinderbuch „Dieses Leben gehört: Alan Cole – bitte nicht knicken“ handelt es sich um das Debüt von Eric Bellund erschien 2017 unter dem Titel „Alan Cole Is Not a Coward“ in den USA. Die Geschichte um Alan wird im Herbst 2018 in dem Buch „Alan Cole Doensn’t Dance“ fortgesetzt und soll direkt an den ersten Teil anschließen – bleibt zu hoffen, dass auch dieses Buch vom Fischer Verlag übersetzt wird.
Im Zentrum der Geschichte steht der zwölfjährige, künstlerisch begabt Alan Cole, der in sehr zerrütteten Familienverhältnissen lebt und nur selten aus sich herausgeht. Er bleibt zumeist stumm, hält sich und seine wahren Gedanken und Gefühle zurück und lässt die meisten Dinge klaglos über sich ergehen. Sei es sein Vater, der niemanden zu lieben scheint und sein Heim mit verbaler Gewalt und Kälte beherrscht oder sein älterer Bruder Nathan, der Alan zu verachten scheint, seinen Zorn und seine Aggressionen an ihm auslässt und ihn auch körperlich angeht – Alan duckt sich weg und hofft, dass man ihn einfach in Ruhe lässt. Dass er homosexuell ist, macht die Sache nicht besser, denn nichts fürchtet er mehr, als geoutet zu werden. Trotz der teilweise erschreckenden Grundlage, die der Autor für seinen Hauptcharakter festgelegt hat, verströmt die Geschichte eine positive, aufmunternde Atmosphäre, was vor allem an der Veränderung liegt, die Alan durchläuft. Innerhalb einer Woche reift er spürbar, entwickelt sich weiter und findet endlich Selbstvertrauen, Freunde und den Mut, zu sich selbst zu stehen. Eric Bell versteht es, wichtige Themen – (Selbst)Akzeptanz, Gewalt in Familien, Freundschaft und Vielseitigkeit – miteinander zu verbinden und trotz aller brutaler Momente kindgerecht zu vermitteln. Er regt mit seinem Debüt zum Diskutieren über häusliche Gewalt, Mobbing, Homosexualität an – etwas, was man durchaus schon mit Kindern ab 11 Jahren (Altersempfehlung des Verlags) tun kann.
Die Charaktere sind sehr gut in Szene gesetzt und wirken authentisch und in sich schlüssig. Alan ist ein stiller, zurückhaltender Junge, der ungern im Mittelpunkt steht und kein Problem damit hat, am „Wackeltisch“ bei den Außenseitern zu sitzen. Er findet während des Spiels gegen seinen Bruder Nathan immer mehr zu sich selbst und entwickelt eine Stärke, die man ihm am Anfang nicht zugetraut hätte. Schön ist, dass er diese positive Entwicklung auch auf seine Freunde überdreht – Madison beginnt ebenfalls aus sich herauszugehen und sich aufgrund seines Aussehens fertig machen zu lassen und Zack offenbart wie loyal und ehrlich er im Grunde ist – denn er ist der Einzige, der immer er selbst ist, ganz gleich was andere sagen.
Auch die übrigen Figuren sind gut umgesetzt – sei es Alans Vater, dem man nur wenig Sympathien entgegenbringen kann oder Nathan, der wirklich furchtbar hasserfüllt ist. Eric Bell führt zwar Gründe an, warum die beiden so sind, wie sie sind, doch hier hätte ich mir mehr Tiefgang gewünscht – gerade was Nathan betrifft. Vielleicht baut der Autor dies in Band 2 ja weiter aus und gibt mehr Einblicke in die Hintergründe der Familie.
Stilistisch gibt es nichts zu bemängeln – Eric Bell hat einen sehr schönen, lebhaften und humorvollen Schreibstil, der sich gut lesen lässt. Auch Kinder sollten damit keine Probleme haben, denn der Autor verpackt die Themen kindgerecht und lockert vieles durch Alans Gedanken auf, die sich mal ernst, mal humorvoll mit den Ereignissen beschäftigen. Gleichzeitig nimmt Eric Bell kein Blatt vor den Mund, wenn es um Alans Probleme mit seinem Bruder und seinem Vater geht – er beschreibt offen und direkt, was Alan alles über sich ergehen lassen muss. Das ist für Kinder natürlich harter Tobak, doch gleichzeitig eine passende Basis für gemeinsame Gespräche über derartig ernste Themen.
Fazit:
„Dieses Leben gehört: Alan Cole – bitte nicht knicken“ ist ein Kinder- und Jugendbuch, das in vielfacher Hinsicht aus der breiten Masse hervorsticht und eine Menge ernster, wichtiger Themen behandelt, die man durchaus auch einem 11-jährigen Kind vorsetzen kann. Eric Bell erzählt eine bittersüße Geschichte über Akzeptanz, Mut und Freundschaft, schafft sympathische, authentische Charaktere, die man gerne begleitet und bleibt trotz aller schrecklicher Ereignisse mutmachend und aufbauend. Eric Bell ist mit seiner angenehmen, humorvollen Sprache ein wahres Kunststück gelungen, denn kaum einem gelingt es solch schwierige Themen wirklich kindgerecht und mit der notwendigen Sensibilität zu verpacken. „Dieses Leben gehört: Alan Cole – bitte nicht knicken“ ist auf jeden Fall zu empfehlen – gerade, weil es im Kinderbuchbereich nur sehr wenige Bücher gibt, die das Thema Homosexualität aufgreifen und behandeln.
July 31, 2017
A great cast of characters and a voice that leaps off the page. You'll want to stand up and cheer when Alan finally finds his courage!
January 16, 2021
To pierwszy tom przygód tytułowego Alana. Pierwszy tom przyniósł nieco kontrowersji do książkowego świata. Na dzień dzisiejszy ma tyle samo przeciwników jak i fanów. Już te dwa lata temu miałam ochotę po nią sięgnąć, ale oczywiście jak to typowy ksiazkoholik miałam zbyt dużo do czytania. Na szczęście nadrobiłam zaległości i mogę co nieco o niej powiedzieć. .
Alan, którego poznajemy w pierwszym tomie ma dwie osobowości- szkolną i domową. Przy przyjaciołach jest sobą, lubi przyciągać uwagę innych i żyć pełnią życia. W domu natomiast jest cichy, wtapia się w otoczenie, tylko po to by nie narazić się ojcu. Niestety rodzina Cole'ów nie jest typowa. Agresywny ojciec, patologiczny brat ze skłonnościami do znęcania się oraz matka że załamaniem psychicznym. Jak można żyć wśród takich ludzi? By dorzucić jeszcze wiecie problemów jego brat zmusza go do "gdy" w ciągu, której Alan musi codziennie przez tydzień wykonać kilka rzeczy, często okropnych. .
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Po przeczytaniu wpisu książki miałam nadzieję na lekką, zabawną historię LGBT w stylu #twojsimon jakie było moje zdziwienie gdy okazało się że jest to dość specyficzny, wręcz nie realny dramat młodzieżowy. Niestety nie potrafiłam się wczuć w losy Alana, jego historia była nazbyt przerysowana i pokazana w mocno dziecinny sposób. Sam główny bohater jak i jego rówieśnicy nie zachowują się jak ludzie w tym wieku. Ogólnie ta książka zostawiał mnie z takim "aha". Trochę kojarzy mi się z "literaturą" Wattpadową. Osobiście jest mi smutno że nie potrafiłam współczuć głównemu bohaterowi.w pewien sposób uświadomiło mi to że jestem już nieco za duża na literaturę dziecięco- młodzieżową. Podsumowując, nie polubiłam się z historią, stylem autora jak i z bohaterami. Co śmieszne wydaje mi się, że gdyby ta historia trafiała do kin wzbudziła by we mnie nieco wiecie uczuć. Dla mnie to mocne (4/10⭐)
Alan, którego poznajemy w pierwszym tomie ma dwie osobowości- szkolną i domową. Przy przyjaciołach jest sobą, lubi przyciągać uwagę innych i żyć pełnią życia. W domu natomiast jest cichy, wtapia się w otoczenie, tylko po to by nie narazić się ojcu. Niestety rodzina Cole'ów nie jest typowa. Agresywny ojciec, patologiczny brat ze skłonnościami do znęcania się oraz matka że załamaniem psychicznym. Jak można żyć wśród takich ludzi? By dorzucić jeszcze wiecie problemów jego brat zmusza go do "gdy" w ciągu, której Alan musi codziennie przez tydzień wykonać kilka rzeczy, często okropnych. .
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Po przeczytaniu wpisu książki miałam nadzieję na lekką, zabawną historię LGBT w stylu #twojsimon jakie było moje zdziwienie gdy okazało się że jest to dość specyficzny, wręcz nie realny dramat młodzieżowy. Niestety nie potrafiłam się wczuć w losy Alana, jego historia była nazbyt przerysowana i pokazana w mocno dziecinny sposób. Sam główny bohater jak i jego rówieśnicy nie zachowują się jak ludzie w tym wieku. Ogólnie ta książka zostawiał mnie z takim "aha". Trochę kojarzy mi się z "literaturą" Wattpadową. Osobiście jest mi smutno że nie potrafiłam współczuć głównemu bohaterowi.w pewien sposób uświadomiło mi to że jestem już nieco za duża na literaturę dziecięco- młodzieżową. Podsumowując, nie polubiłam się z historią, stylem autora jak i z bohaterami. Co śmieszne wydaje mi się, że gdyby ta historia trafiała do kin wzbudziła by we mnie nieco wiecie uczuć. Dla mnie to mocne (4/10⭐)
January 6, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for ALAN COLE IS NOT A COWARD by #EricBell
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Wow wow wow. Can’t believe this is a debut novel! This one started a little slow for me, but once I got about 40 pages in I couldn’t put it down. It was at turns hilarious and desperately sad. Alan is a coward in the beginning...with good reason. He is bullied by everyone: his dad, his brother, his classmates. With the help of a couple of amazing, loyal friends, however, he finds the strength to be brave in all the ways that matter. I was almost cheering out loud for him by the end. Must-read! This one will put a big grin on your face and pull all your heartstrings. So glad I read it! Adding this to the DMS Library on Monday. 🤗
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#bookstagram #book #reading #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaholic #booknerd #bookgram #librarian #librariansfollowlibrarians #librariansofinstagram #booklove #booktography #bookstagramfeature #bookish #bookaddict #booknerdigans #booknerd #ilovereading #instabook #futurereadylibs #ISTElibs #TLChat #alancoleisacoward #bombogenesis2018 #bombcyclone #snowday #amreading #mglit
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Swipe for summary.
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Wow wow wow. Can’t believe this is a debut novel! This one started a little slow for me, but once I got about 40 pages in I couldn’t put it down. It was at turns hilarious and desperately sad. Alan is a coward in the beginning...with good reason. He is bullied by everyone: his dad, his brother, his classmates. With the help of a couple of amazing, loyal friends, however, he finds the strength to be brave in all the ways that matter. I was almost cheering out loud for him by the end. Must-read! This one will put a big grin on your face and pull all your heartstrings. So glad I read it! Adding this to the DMS Library on Monday. 🤗
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#bookstagram #book #reading #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaholic #booknerd #bookgram #librarian #librariansfollowlibrarians #librariansofinstagram #booklove #booktography #bookstagramfeature #bookish #bookaddict #booknerdigans #booknerd #ilovereading #instabook #futurereadylibs #ISTElibs #TLChat #alancoleisacoward #bombogenesis2018 #bombcyclone #snowday #amreading #mglit
May 3, 2023
Na pierwszy rzut oka ta książka może wydać się lekką, jak to nawet w opisie napisano, zabawną historią, lecz ja nie sądzę, by taka była. Główny bohater żyje w bardzo toksycznej rodzinie. Jego brat znęca się nad nim na każdym kroku, ojciec wcale nie jest lepszy, natomiast matka...matka milczy.
Nie jest to książka pełna miłości, lecz próba radzenia sobie w życiu, które codziennie daje w kość. Pokonywania problemów, starania się, nawet jeśli nie zawsze wszystko wychodzi.
I podobała mi się, nawet jeśli nie była idealnie napisana oraz zakończenie nie do końca mnie usatysfakcjonowało.
Nie jest to książka pełna miłości, lecz próba radzenia sobie w życiu, które codziennie daje w kość. Pokonywania problemów, starania się, nawet jeśli nie zawsze wszystko wychodzi.
I podobała mi się, nawet jeśli nie była idealnie napisana oraz zakończenie nie do końca mnie usatysfakcjonowało.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2021
4,5. Trudna, ale mądra książka o nie łatwych etapach dorastania, kompleksach rodziców, które w dorosłym życiu pokutują na kolejnych pokoleniach. Najważniejsze, że daje wiarę,że zło można zwyciężyć, a i niemożliwe staje się realne do spełnienia. No i bardzo ważni są też ludzie wokół nas. W grupie siła!
September 18, 2017
I loved every single word of this book. The sweet, sweet boys of the Unstable Table. The way that even most of the villains veer toward good in the end. The amazing courage that Alan shows and the sad, but realistic portrayal of the consequences. The only thing I didn't love about this book was how short it was because I wanted more time to hang out with these people.
November 18, 2021
It is a very dark book. The abuse of Alan by his father and brother is pretty brutal, and I was surprised that there was no real consequence for either character. Instead it felt like their behavior was explained in an attempt to justify it? Yeeeesh.
January 7, 2023
Przyjemna i szybka do czytania. Kocham Madisona.
October 11, 2017
I loved this. Some of the bullying scenes are tough to read, but incredibly poignant and realistic (that's what made them so hard to stomach, I'm sure!) but Alan and his "loser" friends, who are brace, sweet, and laugh out loud funny, will undoubtedly steal your heart.
June 30, 2017
While reading the description of the book, my impressions are that I did not think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. The description of the book does not show the readers the childish side of the book and how much people will relate to it. It does however, show the struggle that the main character has through out the book.
My first impressions of the book are that this book will be worth my while reading. The first couple of pages shows how comedic the main character, Alan Cole, really is. As the story goes along, you find the complex relationships of teenage life.
This is the type of book that people would pick up and never want to put it down. I, myself, did read this book in one day. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy a light comedic, inner-struggle sort of book.
**SPOILER ALERT!! Ahead are spoilers of the book!**
The first chapter of the book showed me how lonely Alan actually is. He is bullied by both his brother and his father, so he does not have many friends. The kids who do actually hang out with Alan, Zack Kimble and Madison Wilson Truman, all have their own problems. I do believe that each of the three main characters show a social anxiety. Alan, is bullied and thinks all of his "friends" will be chased away by his brother and he cannot speak in public; Zack has a dead father and his imagination is controlling his mind; Madison is overweight and seems to have little to no empathy for others emotions.
As the story of Alan Cole unravels, he is faced with the challenge of overcoming his brother and father. Alan eventually makes friends with Zack and Madison and the three become inseparable. I really did enjoy the complex relationships that Alan had with each of the characters introduced in this book. Each of the people in Alan's life has their own unique personality and struggle within themselves or in their life. As for the ending, I really did enjoy on how it all ended for Alan.
My first impressions of the book are that this book will be worth my while reading. The first couple of pages shows how comedic the main character, Alan Cole, really is. As the story goes along, you find the complex relationships of teenage life.
This is the type of book that people would pick up and never want to put it down. I, myself, did read this book in one day. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy a light comedic, inner-struggle sort of book.
**SPOILER ALERT!! Ahead are spoilers of the book!**
The first chapter of the book showed me how lonely Alan actually is. He is bullied by both his brother and his father, so he does not have many friends. The kids who do actually hang out with Alan, Zack Kimble and Madison Wilson Truman, all have their own problems. I do believe that each of the three main characters show a social anxiety. Alan, is bullied and thinks all of his "friends" will be chased away by his brother and he cannot speak in public; Zack has a dead father and his imagination is controlling his mind; Madison is overweight and seems to have little to no empathy for others emotions.
As the story of Alan Cole unravels, he is faced with the challenge of overcoming his brother and father. Alan eventually makes friends with Zack and Madison and the three become inseparable. I really did enjoy the complex relationships that Alan had with each of the characters introduced in this book. Each of the people in Alan's life has their own unique personality and struggle within themselves or in their life. As for the ending, I really did enjoy on how it all ended for Alan.
April 14, 2017
I was honored to read this book as a WIP. The author is amazingly talented, with a long career ahead. This book draws on his personal experiences, nailing middle grade angst and every kid's struggle to be who they are while resonating with humor and heart. Seriously, read this one. Full disclosure - I am one of the author's critique partners.
September 20, 2017
This was a little heartbreaking, a little funny and overall full of hope. The family dynamic was painful to read and the excessive bullying could be considered emotional and mental abuse. But Alan rises above. He learns how to swim, overcomes obstacles and ultimately stands up to his brother and father in the biggest possible way.
October 30, 2017
This book and its hero are both delightful. A pitch-perfect coming of age story with a remarkably nuanced supporting cast, and it's unafraid to tackle serious themes without delivering black-and-white answers. Be warned, it will probably make you cry.
September 7, 2019
This is the book that I feel like I needed when I was younger, I still loved it now but it would’ve helped and shaped me so much more if it existed in my life earlier.
This book is so sweet and has such a heartwarming journey and everyone should read it.
This book is so sweet and has such a heartwarming journey and everyone should read it.
January 6, 2018
This was difficult to read at times, but only because I've never read a book of this caliber that hit so close to home. Loved every page.
January 23, 2018
A heartfelt, gripping, and laugh-out-loud funny journey about family, friendship, and—above all—finding the courage to be your best self.
April 16, 2018
Alan Cole is Not a Coward is a touching coming of age novel about a boy who is lost. Lost in his feelings, his family, and his relationships. He hasn’t yet figured out who he is and the person he would like to be. This is common for children his age, however his family is far from decent and his one rule of life is to have no friends because if he had friends his brother would hurt them. One day this all changes for Alan. He finds himself in a competition with his brother, a game he was forced to participate in, may I add. (I won’t go into details) One trial after another, in the span of about a week and a half, he slowly begins to figure himself out. He learns that he is not a coward, how things are for him is not his fault, and it is possible to be happy.
By page one I was captivated by this character. He was likable, awkward, and innocent. The humor was simple, light, and refreshing. It was silly in a way that just took you back to your own middle school era. It was a bit nostalgic at times and I couldn’t help feeling for the characters. (They’re all just so adorable in their own ways!)
Eric Bell did a fantastic job depicting a child of middle school age who is dealing with low self esteem, mental abuse, bullying, his sexuality and the nature of friendship. This novel was a quick, fun read that ended up being a lot deeper then I had originally anticipated. It was a pleasant surprise. We get to view Alan beginning to question the things in his life, especially the people. He gains confidence in his art, his voice, his sexuality, and friendships.
I wouldn’t say this book is perfect. I did have one issue, which I will refer back to later, but first I want to address that this book was great for what it was and I’m judging accordingly. This book is targeted for middle schoolers so for adults reading this book it may seem to lack depth at times or be a bit simplistic or predictable. However, you have to keep in mind this novel was not intended for our age group. So for a book from the view of a middle schooler for a target audience of middle schoolers I personally think it was very well done and something 12 year old me most likely would have found quite enjoyable. If you are looking for a complex and mind provoking novel I would look elsewhere. This is not it. However, I truly encourage reading this book no matter your age because even though it is targeted for children it is still a very enjoyable novel with themes that everybody can take something from. For what it was meant to be and the target audience it is trying to connect to this book did an amazing job. Many middle schoolers most likely could relate to these characters in some ways, heck if I was still in middle school I would probably relate to some things. It depicted the struggles of middle school pretty well and Alan’s personal troubles as well. Go into this book not expecting some grand, eye woking thing and just take it as it is and I guarantee you, you will have a great time.
Now to my issue. At times it seemed as if the author would attempt to redeem the actions of some of his characters and put them into a better light, however, absolutely nothing can justify the actions of these characters. Their actions were horrible. Yet nobody seemed to face any consequences in this book. We see Alan grow exceptionally yet none of the other characters get any mental help or punishment. The only negative thing I have to say about this book is how it dealt with the abuse and bullying situation. In a way it seemed that Bell implied that these issues are just something you have to deal with. You should stand up for yourself but at the same time shrug it off. Of course, this book is told from a 12 year olds perspective and the character most likely didn’t realize just how messed up his situation is, what child would? In this way it was more realistic. However, considering this book is targeted for younger readers I think he could have done a better job at addressing these issues and clearly explaining how this behavior is not okay. It is not something you should and have to deal with. Especially on your own. It is okay to get help.
I felt I needed to point that out because some people may have concerns with how younger children may interpret this. Other then that the premise of the novel was still excellent, it brought up many issues, it was well written, and a great tribute to the beauty of friendship.
This book was an excellent reminder on the importance of friends and standing up for yourself. You have a voice for a reason, to use. Everybody needs a reminder of this at times. Also, your mistakes don’t define you. Everyday is a lesson, so try your best, be yourself and you’ll do okay. These are messages everybody can use, not just middle schoolers.
Even though I am not the intended audience I still thought it was a delightful read. I’d also like to add whoever designed the cover for this novel did a fantastic job. It is absolutely gorgeous.
My favorite line of the book said by the oh so sweet character Zack:
“I’d rather have a hard time being myself then an easy time being someone else”
June 12, 2017
Alan Cole is Not a Coward by Eric Bell tells the story of a middle schooler, Alan Cole, who learns how to grow up in his dysfunctional, abusive family and how to accept and love himself for, and not in spite of, some of his unaccepted qualities: introverted, artistic, and gay. Alan has a complex relationship with his brother, Nathan, who forces him into challenges called Cole v. Cole, and if Alan loses (he almost always does), Nathan does something bad to him. Nathan promises Alan that this is the last ever Cole vs. Cole, and if Nathan wins, he will tell everyone that Alan has a crush on a boy, and if Alan wins, he gets one favor from Alan. Panicked at the idea of being outed by his brother, Alan agrees to play, but because of past failed Cole vs. Cole challenges, Alan decides that Nathan has to complete the same challenges that he does. These challenges include being the most well-known kid in school, making someone cry, standing up to their dad, pass a swimming test, and getting their first kiss. The Cole who completes the most tasks by Friday wins.
I loved the idea of using the challenges as a narrative structure for the book. Since I knew what challenges were coming, I kept anticipating how each one was going to happen. My one complaint about the challenges was that they were too perfectly aligned to things that Alan needed overcome to prove to himself that he is not a coward. “Standing up to Dad” is a challenge that I had a hard time believing that a 9th grader would propose in a game designed to humiliate his brother, but it was an important one for Alan’s character development.
I also really loved Alan’s friends, Zack and Madison, and their “Unstable Table” in the lunchroom. They are staunchly loyal to him and are a great example of what real friendship should look like in middle school. And even though Alan’s mother and father are not a pretty picture, they offer a glimpse into the causes and effects of abusive relationships.
Alan Cole is not a Coward is a book I’ll keep on my shelf at school, and while this book does have LGBT content, I think that one of its strengths is that Alan grows more courageous in so many different areas of his life, not just in his openness about his sexuality. Him being gay is not the only part of who Alan is, but it is an important part of who he is, and I think that’s a message that a lot of people would benefit from hearing.
I loved the idea of using the challenges as a narrative structure for the book. Since I knew what challenges were coming, I kept anticipating how each one was going to happen. My one complaint about the challenges was that they were too perfectly aligned to things that Alan needed overcome to prove to himself that he is not a coward. “Standing up to Dad” is a challenge that I had a hard time believing that a 9th grader would propose in a game designed to humiliate his brother, but it was an important one for Alan’s character development.
I also really loved Alan’s friends, Zack and Madison, and their “Unstable Table” in the lunchroom. They are staunchly loyal to him and are a great example of what real friendship should look like in middle school. And even though Alan’s mother and father are not a pretty picture, they offer a glimpse into the causes and effects of abusive relationships.
Alan Cole is not a Coward is a book I’ll keep on my shelf at school, and while this book does have LGBT content, I think that one of its strengths is that Alan grows more courageous in so many different areas of his life, not just in his openness about his sexuality. Him being gay is not the only part of who Alan is, but it is an important part of who he is, and I think that’s a message that a lot of people would benefit from hearing.
March 12, 2019
Alan is a 12 year old boy with very few friends and a tumultuous home life. The story is centered on a game between Alan and his brother (a game his brother challenges him to) in which they are to complete various difficult and often unattainable tasks. If Alan doesn’t win the game, his brother has threatened to let his secret out. With the help of some new found friends, Alan is determined to prove once and for awhile that he is NOT a coward, and he will stand up for himself. What is Alan’s secret? Will he come through on top, and overcome his family obstacles?
While this book had some positive themes about friendship, being true to yourself, and making positive choices, there were many parts throughout that did not sit right with me. Throughout the story Alan has to endure emotional and physical abuse from both his dad and brother, and it was pretty disturbing to read at times. I understand that this book fell under the category of “books about survival”, among other categories, and that real people do deal with these circumstances; however, the book never clearly gives the message that this is wrong, and that one can and should seek help. If a kid in middle or high school were reading this book and going through something similar, in my opinion they would not get the message by the end of the book that they can report this to someone. The way the book gives hope at the end that Alan’s family members “might” or “could” change did not feel right to me because it obviously was something that needed some serious intervention and these family members needed some real help and support, which the book never addresses. For this reason, I would be hesitant to use it as a middle or high school teacher. This is unfortunate because there are some strong characters who readers would be able to identify with, and the way Alan deals with issues in his life, has a positive attitude, and never gives up is commendable.
In addition, upon reading this book I thought I was reading a book with LGBTQ themes. While it is part of Alan’s story, it is in no way the central focus point of the story. Though Alan mentions figuring out he might be gay and he has a crush on a boy, it is in no way a story that highly focuses on him coming out to family and friends, struggling with his feelings and identity, etc… I feel like it is almost not even “part” of the story until the very end, because the majority of the story is focused on the hardships he has with his family and this ��game” that he has to win. Therefore, if you are looking for a book that focuses more on LGBTQ themes and explores this more in depth with a character, this may not be the book you would want to read.
While this book had some positive themes about friendship, being true to yourself, and making positive choices, there were many parts throughout that did not sit right with me. Throughout the story Alan has to endure emotional and physical abuse from both his dad and brother, and it was pretty disturbing to read at times. I understand that this book fell under the category of “books about survival”, among other categories, and that real people do deal with these circumstances; however, the book never clearly gives the message that this is wrong, and that one can and should seek help. If a kid in middle or high school were reading this book and going through something similar, in my opinion they would not get the message by the end of the book that they can report this to someone. The way the book gives hope at the end that Alan’s family members “might” or “could” change did not feel right to me because it obviously was something that needed some serious intervention and these family members needed some real help and support, which the book never addresses. For this reason, I would be hesitant to use it as a middle or high school teacher. This is unfortunate because there are some strong characters who readers would be able to identify with, and the way Alan deals with issues in his life, has a positive attitude, and never gives up is commendable.
In addition, upon reading this book I thought I was reading a book with LGBTQ themes. While it is part of Alan’s story, it is in no way the central focus point of the story. Though Alan mentions figuring out he might be gay and he has a crush on a boy, it is in no way a story that highly focuses on him coming out to family and friends, struggling with his feelings and identity, etc… I feel like it is almost not even “part” of the story until the very end, because the majority of the story is focused on the hardships he has with his family and this ��game” that he has to win. Therefore, if you are looking for a book that focuses more on LGBTQ themes and explores this more in depth with a character, this may not be the book you would want to read.
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