A Little Bit Langston by Andrew Demcak

     I have never suffered issues with identity that was more than the norm- what sort of music I like, why my boobs were bigger than my friends, why I hung out with boys instead of wearing make up and designer jeans and heeled shoes...  But to change channels on tv without touching the tv or the remote?  To connect with an arc of electricity and be permitted to see into my friend's home security system... Those I'm happy I didn't have to deal with!  

     Unlike an episode of X-Men, James is dealing with some strange occurrences.  On top of that, he's realized he's in love with his best friend Paul, who's now disappeared, under unusual circumstances, around the same time James is supposed to go a new school.  

​     Paragon Academy is a special school, but not because James is slow in comprehension   It's a school of paranormal study.  Under the careful eye of Dr. Albion, James, along with a bit of psychic help will discover why he's channeling the famous African American poet, Montgomery Langston and hopefully return to a life that's normal and refreshing. But Don't Get Me Wrong: This book is not what you think!      This book is an adventure of unusual design.  I've never read anything like it- even through the sexual difficulties of the main character, James Kerr, I found myself caught up in, not a story of discovery but of rescue! .  Though I'm still a bit confused on how to categorize the story, because it's middle school.  YA better fits since there's, a chapter where I experienced something so different, so unusual, I almost felt voyeuristic due to James' age.  I was even a bit uncomfortable; I had to put the book down and breath, pensive.

     Andrew Demcak, the author, is an award-winning poet and novelist in both print and online work.  He knew exactly what he was writing and to whom he was writing with this book, but many who read it should be ready for something new.  Have an open mind and don't cringe.  It's like having a baby.  You know the pain is coming, but after it's happened, you find yourself thinking about how bad you thought it was going to be.  And you're left with something amazing.  This story literally (visually) morphs before your eyes and the book you though you were reading becomes something else!

     I enjoyed A Little Bit Langston.  It's a cool story and if you have an open mind, you will too!