Annie on My Mind

Garden, N. (1982). Annie on My Mind. New York, NY: FSG. Eliza Winthrop (Liza) recounts the events of her relationship with Annie Kenyon during their last year of high school. She begins by attempting a letter explaining that she misses Annie since they are off in college. But she decides to instead, remember their relationship and what brought her to her current feelings. The problem is that being a lesbian is not socially accepted. During their senior year, Liza and Annie were caught by a school administrator, Ms. Poindexter in the home of 2 lesbian teachers while they were away. The teachers were fired and Liza was forced to “come out” to her parents. Although the teachers tried to reassure the girls that everything would work out, Liza thought it would be best to end the relationship. The girls went their separate ways. In the end, after remembering their relationship and accepting herself for who she is, Liza decides to call Annie to express her feelings. Students ages 13 and up would probably enjoy this book if they are able to relate. I would also suggest for further reading, The Empress of the World by Sara Ryan and Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters. These books all present the theme of teenage lesbianism. This reading meets Kohlberg’s theory of moral development. Students who may be struggling with the questions of right and wrong will gravitate toward this book as Liza also struggled with her own moral development.