Brent Hartinger Books In Order

Publication Order of Russel Middlebrook Books

Publication Order of Russel Middlebrook: The Futon Years Books

Publication Order of Otto Digmore Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of The Hunger Games Companions Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Author Brent Hartinger was born in the state of Washington (sometime in the year 1965), growing up in Tacoma. He got a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University (which is in Spokane, Washington). Hartinger studied for his masters in psychology at Western Washington University. The first novel that he had published (which is called “Geography Club”) was challenged by American schools, due to the fact that it stars a gay teen that is named Russel Middlebrook. One of the school’s was in Hartinger’s hometown, Tacoma.

There are two parts to the “Russel Middlebrook” series. The first part of the series is set when Russel is just a kid in high school, and is aimed at young adults. Then there is the second part that is for adults and is considered the “Futon Years”. It takes place when Russel Middlebrook is in his twenties. There is character in the early “Middlebrook” books that gets his own series. It is known as the “Otto Digmore” series.

Besides writing novels, he also writes screenplays and stageplays. He is also a co-founder of the gay entertainment site that is called After Elton.

He is married to Michael Jensen (an author and writer). He has co-founded Oasis, a support organization for gay teens; and AS IF! (which stands for Authors Support Intellectual Freedom). AS IF! Is a group of Young Adult authors that support intellectual freedom.

“Geography Club” by Brent Hartinger is the first novel in the “Russel Middlebrook” series and was released in the year 2003. Russel is trying to keep something hidden from people, like his two friends Min (a Chinese American female) and Gunnar (who is bright and a bit socially awkward). This is the fact that he is gay. That being said, however, he still dates girls. Kevin wants to try anything to make sure that no one on the baseball teams finds out. It would ruin his reputation as being the popular kid at school. Terese and Min say that they are just really good friends, but they have hit a point where the truth is a little bit hard to hide. At least from one another, so they start the “Geography Club (which is supposed to be a safe space for the gay teens). It winds up being the first Gay Straight Bisexual Alliance at the school. Nobody else is going to come, and why would they. Their secret should be secure.

Fans of the novel found that this novel made them want to read more young adult novels, and that Russel was a great character that stayed true to himself and did not change to suit someone else’s desires. There are some life lessons, and there is also quite a bit of humor to be found in the novel. Some could not wait to read more of this series. Some found that they finished the novel in about three hours, and were engrossed the entire time they were reading the novel.

“The Order of the Poison Oak” by Brent Hartinger is the second novel in the “Russel Middlebrook” series and was released in the year 2005. Something about spending the night makes summer camp different than high school. Partly the fact that things happen. The gang from “Geography Club” is back, and they work as counselors at the summer camp. It is two things, the story of steamy summer romance, skinny dipping in coves lit by moonlight, Indian legends. It is also the story of Russel starting up another club “The Order of the Poison Oak”, the goal of which, is to show the hidden beauty of life and how to accept the sometimes painful sting that it has to offer.

Fans of the novel were charmed by the story here; it is also funny and a smart book. The novel will take anyone who hates reading about the crappy life that is to be had by anyone in high school and make at the very least, make you enjoy the characters, and story here. Russel especially. He is charming and pleasurable for the reader to meet and get to know.

“Double Feature: Attack of the Soul and Bride of the Soul- Sucking Brain Zombies” by Brent Hartinger is the third novel in the “Russel Middlebrook” series and was released in the year 2007. This is two novels for the price of one. Russel and Min, who are friends, sign on to be extras in a zombie film. They learn that there is nothing in the world that will terrify anyone more than a high school romance. “Attack” of the Soul”: Russel must decide between a nearby ex (Kevin) that wants to get back together, or his long distance boyfriend. “Bride of the Soul”: Min does not easily accept her girlfriend’s (who is a cheerleader) choice to remain in the closet. Both of the separate stories affect each other in interesting ways and both books will have to be read together for the reader to find out the whole entire story.

Fans of the novel found that this was a great read, finding a lot to love. Readers get to choose who to start with, and Min has a unique and fresh voice. She has great interactions, some felt with Leah. It was easy to see her side of things, how she can be a bisexual young woman. This novel does not disappoint. Fans cannot wait for more books in this series. Some fans like the way that Hartinger shows the reader the struggles of being gay, for some they feel that they cannot be open about who they really are. Which is why they do not come out, but stay in the closet. Some found that Russel’s continuing story of trying to grow up in a high school as a gay man; they also found that they were more captivated by Min’s story, it stuck with them much more for them.

“Geography Club”, Hartinger’s first novel, was adapted into a movie in the year 2013. It starred Cameron Deane Stewart, Justin Deeley, Scott Bakula, Nikki Blonski, and Ana Gasteyer. This story has also been adapted for the stage.

In 2017, he was nominated for an Edgar Award. He has also won a Scandiuzzi Children’s Book Award, a Lambda Literary Award, and a GLAAD Media Award.

3 Responses to “Brent Hartinger”

1. Peter English: 1 year ago

   Im am a 59 yo man who came out as bisexual last year.It was difficult and I tried suicide.
   My therapist suggested I try to immerse myself in gay life as much as possible to deal with my internalised homophobia.
   I have really enjoyed the Futon Years amd Otto Digmore . These books have seriously helped me rationally contemplate my sexual orientation and accept myself for who I am . Thankyou and I look forward to more adventures .

   Reply
   • Graeme: 1 year ago

     Thank you for sharing that Peter and I’m so glad those books are helping you. Wishing you all the best!

     Reply
2. William: 2 years ago

   I need more! I need to know their lives after marriage:)

   Reply