ANNIE ON MY MIND
First paperback edition of the first lesbian romance meant for the YA market.
Near fine.
Price: $150.00
ANNIE ON MY MIND
"'Don't let ignorance win,' said Ms. Stevenson. 'Let love.'"
First published in hardcover by FSG in 1982, ANNIE ON MY MIND was immediately critically acclaimed, becoming a Booklist Reviewer's Choice, and joining the American Library Association's annual list of Best Books (and later, its "Best of the Best" list). In 2000, the School Library Journal listed it as one of the most influential books of the 20th century. However, it was also frequently challenged, banned, and even burned. The idea that a book for teens could say outright that a lesbian relationship wouldn't end in tragedy was powerful, and evoked strong reactions. Tracing the history of LGBTQ+ representation in YA, Christine A. Jenkins records John Donovan's I'LL GET THERE, IT BETTER BE WORTH THE TRIP (1969) as the "first young adult novel with same-sex relationships," which ends ambiguously; Rosa Guy's RUBY (1976) features a central lesbian love story in Harlem, but without a happy ending. ANNIE ON MY MIND, on the other hand, lives up to its promise with a "Happy For Now" conclusion: a joyful reunion between the two main characters.
This first paperback edition features new cover art by Ellen Thompson, a notable change in light of Garden's stated dislike of the first hardcover edition (which she felt emphasized the distance between the couple, rather than them engaging each other as here). Quite elusive in either edition.
"One Hundred Books That Shaped the Century," in School Library Journal, January 2000; Christine A. Jenkins, "Annie on Her Mind," School Library Journal, May 2010.
The Object
New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, (1984). 7.75'' x 5.25''. Original color pictorial wrappers with art by Ellen Thompson. [6], 234 pages. Trace edgewear, faint toning to rear wrapper.
The Fine Print
We work hard to meet our ethical responsibility to describe our material accurately. All items are guaranteed as described and may be returned for any reason within 30 days. Please notify us before mailing a return.
We guarantee the authenticity of our items. All materials are original (meaning not facsimiles or reproductions) unless otherwise noted. First editions (meaning first edition, first printing) are explicitly stated. TPM is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America and upholds their Code of Ethics.
All photographs are of the actual item for sale. We're happy to provide additional images on request.
All domestic orders ship gratis. For orders under $250, free USPS media mail shipping is included; orders $250 and over ship USPS Priority. International orders over $500 also ship gratis. Expedited, overnight, as well as other carriers (UPS, Fed-Ex, etc.), may carry additional costs beyond quoted rates. All orders receive tracking information and a direct contact in case of any questions.
International buyers are responsible for any customs, taxes, and related import fees. Please note that we are unable to accomodate requests to misrepresent, misdeclare, or otherwise falsify customs documents when shipping internationally. We appreciate your understanding.
We accept all major credit cards, Paypal, Venmo, check, money order, and bank wire. We are happy to bill institutional buyers' needs. Sales tax will be added to applicable purchases. Items subject to prior sale.
If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your purchase, please contact us. We prioritize our long-term relationships far above any individual purchase, and we want you to love your item as much as we loved cataloguing it.