Schrefer’s nonfiction audiobook for teens is fascinating, frank, funny, and, above all, compassionate. Joel Froomkin performs the main narration, and it’s easy to imagine that his voice is the author’s, though he does make the curious choice to narrate chapter titles in an officious British accent. Dustin Ballard, Hope Newhouse, and Neo Cihi narrate interludes (illustrated in the print book) and Q&A interviews with scientists. Listeners will learn about the wide and varied spectrum of animal sexuality—and about how biases in scientific research have often hidden or omitted this variety. Schrefer is open about his own identity as a gay man, and he writes, "This is partly a book for lonely eleven-year-old Eliot.” Indeed, LGBTQIAP+ teens especially may find this to be an illuminating and comforting listen. J.M.D. 2023 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

★ 06/20/2022

Employing conversational humor and personal anecdotes, interviews with a variety of scientists, and detailed information about the intersections of human bias and animal research, Schrefer deconstructs commonly held beliefs to reveal the world of queer animal behavior. Beginning with questions such as “Are there trans animals?” and “Does sexuality require sex?,” chapters consider gender, sex, and sexuality through the lens of creatures that include albatrosses, bottlenose dolphins, and doodlebugs. Occasional grayscale comics by Zuckerberg position animals in a human safe space—a Gay Straight Alliance meeting—in which they engage in accepting and affirming species-specific discussions. Together, the creators deliver punch lines while revealing little-known animal facts about avian asexuality and polyamory, bisexual bonobos, and intersex deer, all supporting the argument that exclusionary takes on the natural world are a breakable human habit—and that, as science shows, queer behavior has never been “unnatural.” Substantial back matter includes suggestions for further reading, a glossary, and an index. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 14–up. (May)

"This is a groundbreaking young adult publication that documents new insights into animal behavior, including research previously repressed or ignored. It also reassures readers that same-sex attraction, interaction, and sexual intercourse is completely natural, both in the animal and human realms." — Booklist (starred review)

"Mind-expanding, guffaw-inducing, and truth-telling—Schrefer’s title guides readers to a frontier where no STEM curriculum has gone before." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

"Together, the creators deliver punch lines while revealing little-known animal facts about avian asexuality and polyamory, bisexual bonobos, and intersex deer, all supporting the argument that exclusionary takes on the natural world are a breakable human habit—and that, as science shows, queer behavior has never been 'unnatural.'" — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"[A] fun, refreshing book that will have dry biology textbooks shaking in their book covers." — BookPage (starred review)

"A nonfiction book that richly mines scientific facts, this can be read in one sitting or researched as individual chapters for ultimate flexibility." — School Library Journal (starred review)

"Filled with comics and humor and accessible science on the diversity of sexual behavior in the animal world.” — NPR All Things Considered

"Accessible, informational, and fun." — Buzzfeed

"A thoughtful, thought-provoking, and incredibly fun study of queerness across the animal kingdom . . . it will help queer kids feel less alone as it highlights the filtered lens through which the animal kingdom has for too long been presented." — Kirkus Reviews

“In this hilarious, inviting, brilliant, absolutely revelatory book, Queer Ducks introduces us to new science and cool animals that show us that lovemaking is far more varied, far more exuberant, and far more useful than two opposite sex creatures simply making a bunch of babies. Thank you, Eliot Schrefer, for showing us a natural treasure trove of glorious ways to love, bond, and be.” — Sy Montgomery, New York Times bestselling author of How to be a Good Creature

“Eliot Schrefer takes us on a groundbreaking journey of discovery into the sexual ways of animals. I laughed, cried, cheered and learned so much—about animals, sex, science and yes, even love. This book is a must-read for every teen.”  — Deb Heiligman, award-winning author of Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith

“In this deeply researched and necessary book, Schrefer takes readers through the scientific record of same-sex partnering in the animal kingdom. Species by species, study by study, coupling by coupling, he shares the data and shines a light on the human assumptions and cultural biases that have kept the natural diversity of animal sexual behavior under wraps for too long. Queer Ducks may be the most important book you read and share this year.” — Loree Griffin Burns, Ph.D., award-winning author of Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion

"This mind-blowing treatise covers everything teens might not even know to ask about animal sexuality." — San Francisco Chronicle

"This is one of the most fun books I have ever read." — Trevor Noah, Host of The Daily Show

Praise for The Darkness Outside Us: "Schrefer masterfully evokes and maintains suspense that keeps the pages turning briskly while still taking the time to limn the two boys’ touching, moving relationship. If all of this is space opera, readers will want an encore. Bravo." — Booklist (starred review)

"3, 2, 1…blastoff for mystery, adventure, and queer intergalactic bodice-ripping." — Kirkus Reviews

"[A] sexy space odyssey. Schrefer’s immersive novel combines the build of mysteries and the tension of romance, slowly unfurling an iterative story about love and attraction, destiny, and connection. " — Publishers Weekly

"Schrefer does an excellent job of developing and humanizing his characters before throwing them into the swift waters of a sci-fi plot with its truly shocking and satisfying twist. Readers are sure to root for these lovable characters’ survival." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"Yes, The Darkness Outside Us is utterly inventive and relentlessly page-turning. And yes, Ambrose and Kodiak are seriously the hottest couple in space. But even more, this is an insightful, tender, and profound story, about the weight of history, and the power of transformation and true love." — Deb Caletti, National Book Award finalist and author of A Heart in a Body in the World 

“Fiercely imaginative and desperately real, The Darkness Outside Us explores the wild expanses of the human heart. This book is a triumph.”  — Elana K. Arnold, author of Damsel, a Printz Honor Book

"The Darkness Outside Us is equal parts terrifying, tender, and thrilling. I loved every word of this sharp, thoughtful look at the world we live in and the ones beyond."  — Brandy Colbert, award-winning author of Little & Lion

“Absolutely brilliant. The Darkness Outside Us is a pulse-pounding thriller, engrossing science fiction epic, and heartfelt meditation on love all at once.” — Malinda Lo, Author of Ash

"Schrefer does an excellent job of developing and humanizing his characters before throwing them into the swift waters of a sci-fi plot with its truly shocking and satisfying twist. Readers are sure to root for these lovable characters’ survival."

Eliot Schrefer takes us on a groundbreaking journey of discovery into the sexual ways of animals. I laughed, cried, cheered and learned so much—about animals, sex, science and yes, even love. This book is a must-read for every teen.” 

"Mind-expanding, guffaw-inducing, and truth-telling—Schrefer’s title guides readers to a frontier where no STEM curriculum has gone before."

"This is a groundbreaking young adult publication that documents new insights into animal behavior, including research previously repressed or ignored. It also reassures readers that same-sex attraction, interaction, and sexual intercourse is completely natural, both in the animal and human realms."

In this deeply researched and necessary book, Schrefer takes readers through the scientific record of same-sex partnering in the animal kingdom. Species by species, study by study, coupling by coupling, he shares the data and shines a light on the human assumptions and cultural biases that have kept the natural diversity of animal sexual behavior under wraps for too long. Queer Ducks may be the most important book you read and share this year.

In this hilarious, inviting, brilliant, absolutely revelatory book, Queer Ducks introduces us to new science and cool animals that show us that lovemaking is far more varied, far more exuberant, and far more useful than two opposite sex creatures simply making a bunch of babies. Thank you, Eliot Schrefer, for showing us a natural treasure trove of glorious ways to love, bond, and be.

"Yes, The Darkness Outside Us is utterly inventive and relentlessly page-turning. And yes, Ambrose and Kodiak are seriously the hottest couple in space. But even more, this is an insightful, tender, and profound story, about the weight of history, and the power of transformation and true love."

Fiercely imaginative and desperately real, The Darkness Outside Us explores the wild expanses of the human heart. This book is a triumph.” 

"The Darkness Outside Us is equal parts terrifying, tender, and thrilling. I loved every word of this sharp, thoughtful look at the world we live in and the ones beyond." 

Absolutely brilliant. The Darkness Outside Us is a pulse-pounding thriller, engrossing science fiction epic, and heartfelt meditation on love all at once.

"Schrefer does an excellent job of developing and humanizing his characters before throwing them into the swift waters of a sci-fi plot with its truly shocking and satisfying twist. Readers are sure to root for these lovable characters’ survival."

★ 12/09/2022

Gr 7–10—Schrefer's book is about animal sex, but specifically homosexual behavior in certain animals. Chapters include species examples, such as dolphins and doodlebugs, that detail what and how this information was learned. In addition, chapters begin with a humorous comic, have illustrations sprinkled into the narrative, and deliver interviews Schrefer conducted with real-life scientists, many of whom identify as LGBTQIA+. Formally organized by the animal case study, the additional interviews and illustrations create breaks in the information that might disrupt the overall flow; however, they provide insight into the science of sex that's more than procreation, a funny interruption to deeper content, and personal connection to researchers in the field. Format aside, the research is fascinating and opens another avenue for career exploration for younger readers. Plus, the facts are noteworthy and shareable—just the kind that the intended audience devours. The book's celebration of the human-animal connection offers positivity about how natural queer behavior is opens another entry point to acceptance and understanding. Schrefer blends emotion and logic with a plethora of vocabulary by describing scientific, anthropological, and behavior studies. VERDICT A nonfiction book that richly mines scientific facts, this can be read in one sitting or researched as individual chapters for ultimate flexibility.—Alicia Abdul

Schrefer’s nonfiction audiobook for teens is fascinating, frank, funny, and, above all, compassionate. Joel Froomkin performs the main narration, and it’s easy to imagine that his voice is the author’s, though he does make the curious choice to narrate chapter titles in an officious British accent. Dustin Ballard, Hope Newhouse, and Neo Cihi narrate interludes (illustrated in the print book) and Q&A interviews with scientists. Listeners will learn about the wide and varied spectrum of animal sexuality—and about how biases in scientific research have often hidden or omitted this variety. Schrefer is open about his own identity as a gay man, and he writes, "This is partly a book for lonely eleven-year-old Eliot.” Indeed, LGBTQIAP+ teens especially may find this to be an illuminating and comforting listen. J.M.D. 2023 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

2022-02-09
An entertaining, informative tour through the sexual diversity of animal life.

From bonobos to fruit flies, wrasse fish to bottlenose dolphins, Schrefer, who is part of New York University’s animal studies master’s program, explores nonhuman animals’ lives in the contexts of sex and gender. Do nonhuman animals have sex purely for pleasure? Are they ever polyamorous? Are there trans animals? Intersex ones? Intercut with delightful comics, memoirlike vignettes, queer theory, and interviews with experts including a primatologist, evolutionary biologist, science historian, and wildlife ecologist (to name a few), Schrefer takes seriously the desires and pleasures of animals’ lives, revealing how gender and sexuality are experienced as social and not just biological constructs. The book is motivated by compassion, as Schrefer explains: “I think care for animals leads to greater care for humans, too, since we all share the natural world, and the same systems of power that endanger animals also endanger humans.” This regard extends to young people, as Schrefer writes a love letter to his 11-year-old self, who needed to know that queer people are indeed a part of nature. While the book uses a human identity-based framework to understand animals whose consciousnesses we can’t possibly understand, it will help queer kids feel less alone as it highlights the filtered lens through which the animal kingdom has for too long been presented.

A thoughtful, thought-provoking, and incredibly fun study of queerness across the animal kingdom. (glossary, notes, selected bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)