The Queens' English: The Young Readers' LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases

by Chloe O. Davis

This young readers adaptation of The Queens’ English is a nonfiction illustrated reference guide to the LGBTQIA+ community’s contributions to the English language.

This playful, richly illustrated visual dictionary is the perfect book for anyone who has ever wondered about the origin of phrases like “zaddy,” the history of the word “queer,” and the wonderfully diverse, wide-ranging histories that have contributed to LGBTQIA+ culture and vocabulary.

Drawing from traditions as divergent as the ancient poet Sappho to the underground ball scene of the 1980s, from the Stonewall Riots to RuPaul’s Drag Race , this glossary is a colorful compendium—and a celebration of every king, queen, butch, femme, daddy, zaddy, and enby who has shaped the history, identity, and limitless imagination of queerness.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Queer, Reference

448 pages, Hardcover

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Anyone who cares about humans should read this book. It is simple, yet has the power to save lives. The information contained in it is so helpful, I learned so much, and will continue to learn from this book. It really opened up the world for me and has allowed me to understand even more terms, history, and concepts I didn't know. But above all, what I have always known and always believe, Love is infinite and Love is never wrong!

[Tony Primeau · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m bisexual & just the A section alone gave me a headache. It’s too wordy, but I can see where it could be helpful to a younger LGBTQIA+ generation. Good luck with this one. Lol

[Jay Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and even though it is meant for a younger audience than me in my middle age, I feel like everyone would gain something from reading it. It's informative, but also quirky and funny. If I had been given this book even 10 years ago, I feel like I would have been able to celebrate my uniqueness earlier instead of thinking I was damaged. I'm glad people now have more options for education and representation than I did. (this was an ARC I won from a Goodreads giveaway, hence the review before publishing. However, leaving this review was my choice.)

[Alaana · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, before I get into gushing about this awesome book, I have to share a little story. I won this in a Goodreads giveaway ages ago, but since I never received it, I assumed I hadn’t won. Fast forward a few months (and two moves later), and it finally shows up in my mailbox. YAY! Lost and found mail FTW! But when I opened it, I found two letters tucked inside—one from the person who lived at my original address and one from the person who lived at my second address. Apparently, they both had received the book, didn’t check the recipient’s name, and just dove right in. I’ve never been so pleased to have someone read my mail! They both apologized, said they thoroughly enjoyed the book, and forwarded it on so I could finally get my hands on it.

Now, on to my review!

The Queens' English: The Young Readers' LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases needs to be in every school and public library on the planet. Seriously. Right now. As an adult, I’m not the target audience, but I can’t emphasize enough how much tweens and teens who are struggling to understand themselves and how they fit into the world would benefit from this book. I love how it takes subjects, from the simple to the complex, and gives them both meaning and context. Sometimes, having the language to express how you feel is half the battle, and this book gives LGBTQIA+ kids the words they need to understand themselves, their feelings, and the culture and history they are a part of.

But it’s not just for LGBTQIA+ kids. Straight kids would benefit from it too, as it provides a great way to better understand the LGBTQIA+ community and open up conversations about support and empathy. Understanding opens doors and this book builds a pathway to understanding for people of all ages.

Plus, it’s absolutely beautiful— a work of art in its own right. Well done, Chloe O. Davis! This book will save lives.

[Thompson McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queens' English
The Young Readers' LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Lingo and Phrases

by Chloe O. Davis

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Adapted from The Queens' English published in 2021

by Clarkson Potter

2024

336 pages

ISBN: 9781665926867

The Queens' English (Young Readers version) is adapted from a 2021 book also written by Chloe O. Davis. This version is aimed at much younger readers (not YA nor adults) who are interested in the language used by the LGBTQIA+ and drag community.
This concise compendium is a great asset for any library shelf and also a great gift for teens and/or families of teens.

From homophobia to deadname (a word with particularly negative connotations for those who have changed their birth names) to the idea of a gingerbread person (used to help all ages understand sexuality and gender), this dictionary covers it all. Simply put, this is a book all of us (every human) needs to read.

Understanding and accepting are the goals, and Chloe O. Davis has succeeded in making this a teachable moment! Kudos to the author!

Highly, highly recommended for every library. The ideas and terms are presented in a straight forward way in language easy to understand. This is NOT a book about sex or acting promiscuously. An extensive list of resources offers readers more information and guidance. Full color illustrations, Did You Know? boxes which offer even the most reluctant readers quick, interesting facts and the terms used in sentences for better understanding are highlights.

Grades 4 and up/ages 10 and up.

[CHRIS CARTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book works like a visual dictionary, explaining words, phrases, and slang connected to LGBTQIA+ culture in a way that’s easy to understand. It covers both older terms and modern ones, showing how language has changed over time. You learn not just what words mean, but where they came from and who helped shape them.

What makes this book stand out is how colourful and playful it is. The illustrations keep things engaging, and the tone never feels boring or overly academic. It feels like a celebration of creativity, identity, and self-expression rather than a textbook.

The book also connects language to history and culture. It explains how different moments, communities, and movements, across many years, have influenced the words people use today. This helps readers understand that language is powerful and deeply connected to identity and belonging.

This edition is clearly made with young readers in mind, but adults can learn a lot from it too. You don’t need any background knowledge to enjoy it, and you can read it straight through or jump around to different entries.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book! A good amount of information is given in short quick dictionary form, to make fast and easy to read blocks of information. This format makes it simple to skip around or revisit specific topics you're looking for. It's interesting to read through like a novel, touching briefly on many subjects. I appreciate the author briefly covered cultural appropriation, I feel it's important to recognize and often overlooked.
I needed this book when I was young, struggling to understand myself and how I fit into a world that seemed not for me. I didn't have words to understand myself, but knew I was different and felt isolated for so many years. It means everything to find the words. Words begin understanding, feeling normal, accepted and seen. This book has the words and introduces the culture that opens up the world for young people finding themselves. Books like this one can change lives, it makes me happy this resource is there for young people. Great book!

[Kiera Beddes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The young readers' edition of "The Queens' English" offers an engaging exploration of LGBTQIA+ language, culture and history, through a comprehensive glossary of terms and phrases. It educates readers on the diverse spectrum of identities and expressions within the community. The book uses colorful illustrations and accessible explanations to foster understanding and inclusivity, specifically focused on young audiences.

I enjoyed reading the young readers' edition of The Queens' English and found it to be an informative resource. The book's vibrant illustrations and engaging design make it visually appealing and accessible. Since it’s formatted as a dictionary, it's not really intended to be read in a single sitting, instead it’s meant to be a book that students can reference when they have questions. In general, I think it does a good job of illustrating LGBTQIA+ language and usage, helping kids to have a better understanding of their own identities and their peers.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to read and follow LGBTQIA+ Dictionary for young readers. I don't see an age group assigned to the book, but I'd say it's appropriate for middle grade and above. Mixed in with the definitions is also text about the history and background of the LGBTQIA+ community including the Stonewall Riots and Gay Balls. Laid out like a dictionary, it's very easy to look up a specific term or read cover to cover. I really love that books like these are being published these days and would have found it really helpful in my youth.

Thank you Simon Kids for the gifted copy to review.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Keeping in mind that I have an early unfinished copy it almost seemed like the author had to print early and rushed through the last third. This is a dictionary so obviously I didn't read every word but I did read all of the "extras" and they were insightful and provide good resources for young queer people.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dictionary so I didn’t actually read every single word.
I was relieved to find I am familiar with most words I researched. I have a gay grandson and I want to support him 100%. This book will be gifted to him.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joyful and informative illustrated reference guide to the LGBTQIA+ community’s contributions to the English language.

[Ember Moto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of words I had never heard of before very informative read.