M. E. Kerr was awarded the 1993 Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing young adult books, so it is no surprise that "Hello," I Lied is terrific. Kerr is unafraid to tackle controversial issues: her last novel, Deliver Us from Evie, dealt with a very butch teen girl and "Hello," I Lied is equally daring. Lang Penner is a happily adjusted 17-year-old gay teen who is engaged in a loving relationship with Alex, a 20-year-old actor. When Lang becomes emotionally involved with Huguette, the French daughter of a famous deceased rock star, life suddenly becomes more complicated. Kerr writes about young love and sexuality with insight and passion. But more important, while never ignoring how problematic life can be for gay youth, she envisions a world in which gay teens can be happy and secure.