Reviews for Switch:
*Starred Review*
Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids and Teens 2015
“Douglas Davey, who was able to evoke that same trepidation and confusion in M in the Abstract (Red Deer Press, 2013), keeps readers repeatedly wondering how Sheldon will address his latest dilemma, or whether he will expose himself to more abuse by speaking publicly of his bisexuality… Switch should belong in the 2015 version of Mr. Aiden’s cupboard or, better yet, in high school libraries where everyone and anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, could share in the emotional turmoil of Sheldon Bates. Douglas Davey is providing us with the insight that, with greater awareness, could help us become more empathetic to those struggling with issues of sexual orientation. Let’s hope we all accept Switch as that tool for learning.”
CanLit for Little Canadians
“It’s the 1980s. Sheldon Bates is 17 years old and he thinks about sex a lot. He and his girlfriend Jenny make out all the time and he’s pretty sure they are both ready to go “all the way.” But then his world turns upside down. A chance encounter with a new boy on his swim team send Sheldon spinning into a disturbing new reality: he likes boys, too.
Just as Sheldon begins to explore what it means to be bisexual (starting with looking it up in the dictionary!), everyone at school finds out and the ostracism begins. His girlfriend won’t talk to him, his best friend is distant and confused, he is subjected to verbal abuse from his classmates and violence from a gang of homophobic boys. Sheldon feels he can’t tell his parents or his teachers and grows ever more isolated as he tries to deal with it all by himself.
Switch is a searing, funny, heartbreaking book about a young man trying to come to terms with his sexual identity in a hostile world. The premise is that Sheldon, a hapless, lustful hero. Wrote it when he as 17, and years later his grown-up self is editing, with explanatory footnotes. The footnotes are a clever device that Davey uses very effectively to provide perspective, humour and insight into the far-off culture of the 1980s. The book takes a frank and non-judgmental look at issues important to most teenagers: sexual identity, peer pressure bullying and self-worth. Completely engaging, Sheldon’s story will both entertain and inspire young readers who are trying to figure out who they are.”
Canadian Children’s Book News, Spring 2015
“He realizes that he is attracted to a person, not a gender. That is Davey’s take home message. We watch as Sheldon, his friends, family and town are all challenged by his bisexuality. We can only hope that a quarter of a century later those reactions would be different.”
Resource Links, Vol 3, No. 20
“The narration is great, and makes it feel like Sheldon is a real person. The footnotes are funny and informative.”
Libraries & YA
“This is a most recommended book for teenagers who may have experienced something similar…The book is a basis point for discussions with teens and the conflicts within their lives.”
Shelf Life, March 2015
“If you’re interested in LGBTQ narratives that take place in the past, this would be a great pick. For those looking for books about bisexuals, coming out, and bullying, this is the perfect book. ”
For the Love of Books, November 2016