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A Queer History of the United States for Young People
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Michael Bronski, adapted by Richie Chevat. Beacon, $18.95 (336p) ISBN 978-0-8070-5612-7
In this adaptation of his 2011 book for adults, Bronski suggests that the Stonewall riots were precipitated by a great many LGBTQ Americans making their own strides toward liberty. Bronski opens with a discussion of the gender fluidity embraced by some indigenous North American tribes before providing brief biographies of queer individuals from history, along with discussion of changing views on sexuality throughout time. Some figures—Emily Dickinson, Jane Addams, Harvey Milk—will be familiar to readers. More obscure subjects include Jazz Age blues singer Gladys Bentley; 19th-century actor Charlotte Cushman; activist Kiyoshi Kuromiya; and Jose Sarria, the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in the U.S., in 1961. Chavet’s adaptation includes chapters devoted to modern coming-out stories, profiles of contemporary activists, and a look into “the future of queer history.” Readers seeking role models from the past will find an edifying resource and invitation for further exploration into untold stories. Ages 12–up. (June)
Gender Identity: Beyond Pronouns and Bathrooms
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Maria Cook, illus. by Alexis Cornell. Nomad, $22.95 (128p) ISBN 978-1-61930-759-9
This addition to the Inquire & Investigate series provides an interactive exploration of gender identity, gendered societal expectations, and LGBTQ rights. Sections explore gender expression in media and place changing views within the broader context of social history. They also name significant events, figures, and legislation pivotal to the LGBTQ movement from the 1930s onward. Cornell’s comic panels feature characters expressing affirming perspectives on gender identity, while Cook provides vocabulary relating to expression, questions for readers to consider, and suggestions for further investigation. A thought-provoking resource. Ages 12–15. (Apr.)
The Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets
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Gayle E. Pitman. Abrams, $17.99 (208p) ISBN 978-1-4197-3720-6
Pitman takes a unique narrative approach to the Stonewall riots by introducing a series of meaningful objects associated with the historical event. The first of the objects is the Jefferson Livery Stable on Christopher Street, which eventually became the Stonewall Inn. Subsequent items of focus include a photograph of protestors; a statement of purpose from the Daughters of Bilitis, a gay women’s organization; an NYPD nightstick (“officers were dressed in full riot gear” during the event); and a New York Times article reporting the raid. Many of the objects are symbolic cultural artifacts, such as Judy Garland’s dress from The Wizard of Oz: “many people in the LGBT community see themselves and their experiences reflected in The Wizard of Oz.” Pitman’s fresh storytelling brings emotion and depth to the history of a movement and the establishment that served as an epicenter for social change. Back matter provides a timeline, significant notes on each object, and lists of additional resources. Ages 10–up. (May)
You Be You! The Kid’s Guide to Gender, Sexuality, and Family
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Jonathan Branfman, illus. by Julie Benbassat. Jessica Kingsley, $18.95 (80p) ISBN 978-1-78775-010-4
This candid, informative handbook begins with two children, one holding a pink cutout wearing a skirt, the other child holding a blue cutout in trousers. “Maybe you’ve heard that all boys should like the color blue and play sports and wear pants. And that only girls should like pink and play with dolls and wear dresses.” Readers should feel free to toss aside these stereotypes, the volume asserts. Writing in warm, assuring prose, Branfman explores the topics of gender, sex (two friendly nude figures demonstrate the difference between anatomy and gender expression), and gender identity, defining terminology such as cisgender, genderqueer, and transgender. Additional chapters focus on attraction and love, having children, facing discrimination, privilege, intersectionality, and “being an ally.” Branfman urges readers to think about identity as ever-evolving, while Benbassat’s comics-style depictions of variously diverse families embody the spirit of free expression and individuality. Ages 5–10. (July)
Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution.
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Rob Sanders, illus. by Jamey Christoph. Random House, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-5247-1952-4
This story of the Stonewall Inn is spoken by the building itself, beginning in 1840s Greenwich Village, when the building was “two stable houses, side by side.” When the Stonewall Inn became “a home for people who were told that they didn’t fit in” during the 1960s, “others were not as accepting.” Scenes of moonlit Christopher Street and interior shots of the Stonewall Inn have a dusky, understated grace. Christoph captures a mood of solemnity as three patrons are placed in a police patrol wagon, while scenes of the 1969 faceoff between police and protestors capture emotions of anger, fear, and burgeoning energy. Following the riots, crowds appear in the airy daylight of Manhattan, celebrating the first anniversary of the uprising. It’s a moving ode to a cherished place, the brave people who stood for justice, and the victories that continue to lead to change. Back matter includes a history and pictures of the Stonewall Inn. Ages 5–8. (Apr.)
Queer Heroes
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Arabelle Sicardi, illus. by Sarah Tanat-Jones. Wide Eyed Editions, $22.99 (64p) ISBN 978-1-78603-476-2
Sicardi honors the legacy of 52 queer artists, activists, athletes, and other figures. Eschewing conventional chronology, Sicardi presents individuals from the distant past alongside queer heroes of today. In one spread, Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury performs onstage; on the opposite page sits the ancient Greek poet Sappho, quill in hand. The text speaks openly about its subjects’ sexuality and gender identities and offers general biographical details: “Da Vinci was born in a farmhouse on the hills of Tuscany.” Tanat-Jones brings a pop-art aesthetic to the portraits, with accents that express the subjects’ distinctive attributes. Tennis player Martina Navratilova is pictured playing on a magenta court, while performer Sia appears in her trademark disguise, an oversize bow in her hair. Other figures include Emma Gonzalez, James Baldwin, Tove Jansson, and David Bowie. While readers won’t learn a significant amount about each figure and an index would have been useful, Sicardi and Tanat-Jones deliver a striking graphic homage to a variety of queer legends and influencers. Ages 10–15. (May)
It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity
Theresa Thorn, illus. by Noah Grigni. Holt, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-250-30295-3
Thorn offers an inclusive primer about gender that integrates vocabulary words and definitions into the text (“Non-binary is a helpful word that can describe a kid who doesn’t feel exactly like a boy or a girl”). Illustrations feature gender-expansive individuals going to school, making art, and spending time with family, normalizing the expressions. With heavy lines and textured forms, the images by #OwnVoices illustrator Grigni are a blend of jewel-toned shapes with textured lines reminiscent of block prints. The spirit of free expression and creativity infuses every spread of this inclusive exploration. Ages 4–8. (May)
Except When They Don’t
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Laura Gehl, illus. by Joshua Heinsz. Little Bee, $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-4998-0804-9
There’s no one way to be a person, Gehl and Heinsz suggest in this story about eschewing gender stereotypes. In bubbly art, children are seen first engaging in traditionally gendered activities: “Girls like pom-poms,/ pink, and jewels./ Boys like fighting/ pirate duels.” “Except,” reads the text, “when they don’t.” A boy in a superhero costume is surrounded by the pink-hued trappings of a tea party; elsewhere, a girl with puffy pink pigtails runs with a football. The pronoun “you” is used to convey that readers need not conform at all (“You might play with swords and knights./ Maybe twirl in flowered tights.”). Gehl’s text and Heinsz’s artwork express the joy of individuality and personal choice: “be exactly who you are.” Ages 4–8. (May)
Rainbow: A First Book of Pride
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Michael Genhart, illus. by Anne Passchier. Magination, $17.99 (24p) ISBN 978-1-4338-3087-7
In a festive introduction to Pride that doubles as a color primer, Genhart shows readers the meaning behind each hue in the rainbow flag: “Every color means something.” Scenes by Passchier show diverse, smiling figures taking part in everyday activities. Two parents and their child explore a forest brightly colored in shades of green (“Green is nature”), and families visit an outdoor market with blue booths (“Blue is harmony”). Rainbows, Genhart writes, are universally loved: they “make the world smile.” In a final spread, families are seen waving Pride flags and walking together in solidarity (“Be happy. Be love. Be proud”). A joyous tribute to LGBTQ families. Ages 3–5. (May)
Pride Colors
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Robin Stevenson. Orca, $9.95 (28p) ISBN 978-1-4598-2070-8
Stevenson captures the essence of Pride celebrations in this board book. Vibrant photographs feature diverse families accompanied by affirming statements that reference a full rainbow of colors. A smiling child holds a heart balloon: “A bright red heart, a little star./ I love you just the way you are.” Two mothers snuggle a baby in one photograph; in another, two fathers and a child laugh together: “I’ll love the person/ you grow to be.” A key to the symbolism behind each color rounds out this volume: red stands for “life,” orange for “healing,” yellow for “sunlight,” green for “nature,” blue for “peace, harmony,” and purple for “spirit.” Pride is an expansive celebration with room for all who love and cherish others, Stevenson conveys. Ages up to 2. (Mar.)
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