Bach in the Barn
Bach in the Barn
Leigh Ellis
Featured in Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance’s Read & Loved
Featured in the Portland Press Herald
Tune into the official Bach in the Barn playlist by Leigh Ellis here on Spotify.
Description
Really, neither of us knew anything. About life. About the future. About ourselves.
Deere, Maine. 1995. Thirteen-year-old Macy Griffin is less than honest with just about everyone in their life about their mother's unexplained suicide. After her death, as Macy starts to grapple with their own life-altering secret, one that contradicts everything their late mom believed in, Macy discovers a grotesque yet lovable alien in their family’s barn. Finally, another being to confide in—about their feelings for the golden-eyed new girl at school, about their mounting jealousy of their best friend, Levi, and about the ghost who watches over them from the branches of a weeping willow tree.
This imaginative young adult novel is a touching and important story about coming of age and finding one’s identity.
FICTION | Paperback | 2021 | ISBN: 9781737593805
Photo by Molly Haley
About the Author
Leigh Ellis is a rising senior at Windham High School. Aside from writing, they enjoy making art and listening to music, especially punk. Leigh’s work has been featured in two Telling Room anthologies, See Beyond and Shadowboxing. They were also a Maine Literary Awards finalist for both Youth Poetry and Youth Fiction. They hope Bach in the Barn will resonate with young queer readers who have yet to see themselves represented in books and media.
Book Discussion Guide
Age Recommendation: middle & high school
Discussion Questions:
- Both Griffin and their mother share the common thread of presenting to people as someone they aren’t. What are the ways Griffin breaks this thread as the story progresses?
- Compare and contrast Griffin and Talia’s outlook on rural life versus city life; especially for queer people in Maine. What ideals do you notice present?
- Bach in the Barn takes place in the 1990s. What do you notice about the culture in this timeline that is still relevant in today’s timeline?
- Discuss examples of the ways gender is presented as an “in-between” through the different characters and settings in this novel. What is Bach’s purpose for Griffin in this novel?
Writing Prompts
- Write a treatise on why it is okay not to be “strong.”
- Write an ode to your name.
- Inspired by Bhanu Kapil, write an answer to the question “What would you say if you could?”
- Griffin says, “Caring means everything is more complicated. Caring means someone gets let down”; write about the “in between” this quote highlights.
Activities
- Draw your own Bach. What color is your Bach? What does it represent for you at this moment in your life? What does your Bach like? How does your Bach move?
- Create a playlist of songs that say goodbye to what no longer serves you.
- Watch an interview recording of a musician or artist that inspires you. Take notes on why that is.
Resources for Readers
Equality Maine equalitymaine.org (207) 761-3732 An organization that seeks to protect and empower LGBTQ+ citizens across the state of Maine through political action, legal consultation, and community organizing.
Maine’s Statewide Crisis Line 1-888-568-1112 (call or text) If you are concerned about yourself or somebody else, call the 24-hour crisis hotline and speak with a trained clinician who can connect you to the closest crisis center.
MaineTransNet mainetrans.net MaineTransNet’s mission is to support and empower transgender people to cre- ate a world where they can thrive.
NAMI Maine Teen Text Line 207-515-8398 A peer support text line for Maine youth 13-24 years old. Staffed by individuals ages 18-24 who can listen and provide resources and support. Every day, 12pm- 10pm.
National Crisis Text Line T ext “HOME” to 741741 Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 mental health support from live, trained counselors via text message.
OUT Maine outmaine.org OUT Maine’s focus is on building welcoming and affirming communities for Maine’s LGBTQ+ youth.
Trans Lifeline 1-877-565-8860 translifeline.org A grassroots hotline and nonprofit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis–for the trans community, by the trans community.
The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678 thetrevorproject.org Specializing in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, trained counselors are available 24/7 to support youth who are in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk.
