Are the Kids All Right? Representations of LGBTQ Characters in Children's and Young Adult Literature

by B.J. Epstein

Are the Kids All Right? by B.J. Epstein is the first survey of English-language children's literature that features lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer characters. It explores how LGBTQ characters are portrayed and what this says about contemporary society and it covers picture books, middle-grade books, and young adult fiction.

Epstein explores why sex, sexuality and gender non-conformity is something that many writers and publishers of children's and young adult lit appear to shy away from. She passionately demonstrates that the information children get from literature matters, and that so called 'difficult' topics can be communicated in entertaining and informative ways.

Genres: LGBT, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2013

Reviews

[Jessica Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting study of 60 LGBTQ children's books and the kinds of messages being disseminated to young people. I don't necessarily agree with all of Epstein's assertions - I felt the case against 'issue books' was somewhat overstated, given that a lot of the sample texts were explicitly written for the purpose - but the work as a whole certainly highlights the continuing scarcity of LGBTQ themed children's books in general, and the lack of intersectionality within them.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of three books that proved invaluable to me as I wrote my general exams and dissertation. Epstein offers researchers a lot of ideas and titles to digest without overwhelming them as they read. Great for those in graduate programs, especially Women's/Gender Studies, LGBTQ+ minors, English lit, and Education programs. Thank you, B. J.!