Publishers Weekly
04/01/2024
Through rhyming couplets, this informative book explores a whole alphabet of LGBTQ concepts and figures, from A (“abundant,” “always,” “ancestors”) to Z (“zero tolerance,” “a zillion queer stories”). Though proper nouns don’t always clearly align with the abecedarian format, an intersectional range of figures both historical (Josephine Baker, Osh-Tisch, Sylvia Rivera) and contemporary (Blair Imani, Lil Nas X, Michael Sam) populate Kirk’s bright, flat illustrations of lively, joyful crowds. Yasmin’s lengthy text, meanwhile, explains broad conceits including “love” and “knowledge,” as well as delving more specifically into activism, identity, and more. A hopeful tone (“what battles we’ve won!”) doesn’t sugarcoat political realities (on the legalization of gay marriage, it urges, “Don’t close your eyes—this fight is not done”) in a conceptual work that’s a good starting place for discussing queer history. A contextualizing glossary concludes. Ages 5–up. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
"Insightful and validating."—Kirkus Reviews
"Informative."—Publishers Weekly
"Charming"—San Francisco Chronicle
School Library Journal
02/01/2024
Gr 6 Up—A picture book for older elementary students, this volume opens with 57 pages of ABCs focused more on inspirational words than history: A standing for "abundant" and "ally," and Z for "zeal" and "zillions." The artwork is bright and colorful, depicting a multitude of people, historical figures and generic characters. The keywords are in bold type. Historical facts are sprinkled throughout, seemingly at random. For instance, D is for "dance," which includes a brief mention of Josephine Baker, along with an illustration of the dance icon. Eight pages of back matter provide more depth and context on the famous figures mentioned. However, the lack of an index makes it difficult to find the information. Without it, there is no way to know that Baker is under "D," Audre Lorde is under "F," or George Takei is under "O." VERDICT Baffling organization makes it difficult to recommend this book as a reference for queer history, but it works for curious browsers.—Chance Lee Joyner
Kirkus Reviews
2024-01-20
An alphabetical introduction to queer history that honors joy, creativity, and resistance.
Written in upbeat, rhyming couplets and featuring bright, full-page illustrations, this work takes readers on a journey, from “A is for abundant, because we are many” to “Z is for zeal, of which you have plenty, / to share all you know about these queer histories.” The people covered include activists Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk, actors George Takei and Elliot Page, musicians Bessie Smith and Lil Nas X, and writers James Baldwin and Lorraine Hansberry. Yasmin keeps the text brief, offering just enough information to spark interest; the endnotes offer more information on the people mentioned. The author also explores terms such as two-spirit, x-gender, and genderqueer. Many letters of the alphabet often stand for more than one word and emphasize the feelings, values, and impact of queer history rather than simply providing facts: “O is for the optimists that we must be.” “R is for reminisce, rejoice, and renew.” Some letters are more robust in content than others, and the text’s rhythm is inconsistent, making for an awkward read-aloud. But the playful illustrations capture the celebration of resistance in scenes of community that invite visual exploration. The book’s message is a worthy one, detailing queer history and encouraging young readers to become a part of it.
Insightful and validating. (terms and figures) (Illustrated nonfiction. 5-10)
