Swimming to Chicago
“I love books that can destroy their own labels…David-Matthew Barnes’ marvelous Swimming to Chicago will doubtless be put on the YA shelf…a well-told tale…that will engross readers of all ages…riveting…”—Jerry Wheeler, Out in Print
“I found myself unable to put it down…”—Sara Power, Books Your Kids Will Love
“This was a heartbreaking story…I enjoyed the book. It made me think once again about how we need to fight for acceptance…this book highlighted the need to stop bullying and the fears gay high school students have when deciding whether or not to reveal their sexuality.”—Lilly Road
“Like many teenagers, Alex just wants to belong and to be truly liked…Swimming to Chicago provides twists, shock and escape…”—Amy Steele, Entertainment Realm
Mesmerized
“Barnes’ young adult novel about two boys suddenly, deeply in love has a fairy-tale tone, but it will strike all the right notes for YA readers as the boys dance into the hearts of The Showdown audience.”—Richard Labonté, BookMarks
“There is a wonderful resounding theme: sometimes you have to be brave enough to love and forgive. You won’t grasp these words completely unless you read this entire heartrending story…”— QMO (Queer Magazine Online)
“…a timely work that will resonate with readers for its portrayal of society’s perception of the GLBT community…” —Out & About