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When You Look Out the Window: How Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin Built a Community
When You Look Out the Window tells the story of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, one of San Francisco's most well-known and politically active lesbian couples.
Describing the view from Phyllis and Del's window, this book shows how one couple's activism transformed their community — and had ripple effects throughout the world. This is a unique way to introduce children to untold stories in history while also being a clever tribute to two notable women.
Includes a Reading Guide that provides helpful historical context, and a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators about the importance of teaching LGBTQ history and culture to children.
From the Reading
Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin were one of San Francisco’s most well-known and politically active lesbian couples. They met in 1950, and moved in together on February 14, 1953 (Valentine’s Day!). The house they shared for 53 years—and where Phyllis still lives today—located at the top of Castro Street, has a big picture window that overlooks the entire city. Each of the landmarks described in the story is part of the view from their house. Phyllis and Del left their mark on each of these sites, and they are described below.
Describing the view from Phyllis and Del's window, this book shows how one couple's activism transformed their community — and had ripple effects throughout the world. This is a unique way to introduce children to untold stories in history while also being a clever tribute to two notable women.
Includes a Reading Guide that provides helpful historical context, and a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators about the importance of teaching LGBTQ history and culture to children.
From the Reading
Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin were one of San Francisco’s most well-known and politically active lesbian couples. They met in 1950, and moved in together on February 14, 1953 (Valentine’s Day!). The house they shared for 53 years—and where Phyllis still lives today—located at the top of Castro Street, has a big picture window that overlooks the entire city. Each of the landmarks described in the story is part of the view from their house. Phyllis and Del left their mark on each of these sites, and they are described below.
Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2017
149 people want to read
About the author
Gayle E. Pitman
11 books70 followersGayle E. Pitman, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology at Sacramento City College. Her writing, research, and teaching focuses on issues of gender and sexual orientation. She lives in Northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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December 7, 2017I was disappointed that despite the subtitle, this book doesn't say anything about HOW Phyllis and Del built this community. (Instead the book just illustrates what they saw out their window when they first moved in together and what they see now.) Each place that's pointed out in the book has an explanatory gloss in the Note at the back, which I appreciated, but I wished it had been included in the actual narrative.
Also, it's not actually explicit in the text (or especially clear in the illustrations) that Phyllis and Del are two women; given the book's goal of teaching children LGBTQ history, I was disappointed by that. (The rainbow motif shows up a lot, and I do think that symbol is pretty culturally saturated at this point, but for a book whose Note talks about the importance of books providing mirrors, I wanted it to be more explicit.)
Also, it's not actually explicit in the text (or especially clear in the illustrations) that Phyllis and Del are two women; given the book's goal of teaching children LGBTQ history, I was disappointed by that. (The rainbow motif shows up a lot, and I do think that symbol is pretty culturally saturated at this point, but for a book whose Note talks about the importance of books providing mirrors, I wanted it to be more explicit.)
January 14, 2022
This book doesn’t work well as either a story or a biography textually. A heady authors note at the back provides some context, but is a little too dense to be interesting to most kids. The illustrations are adequate, but not enough to save it.
June 15, 2018
A refreshing picture book biography of two prominent active lesbians, Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin. Looking out their window, they see how San Francisco has changed over the years since they first stepped in the city. A Reader's Note gives additional information why these places are significant and how Lyon and Martin contributed to LGBTQ- and particularly lesbian- activism. Great backmatter material also showcases why reading about LGBTQ history is important.
June 6, 2020
When You Look Out the Window: How Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin Built a Community is a children's picture book written by Gayle E. Pitman and illustrated by Christopher Lyles. It compares and contrasts the world through the eyes of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin – a lesbian couple in San Francisco.
June, at least in my part of the world is LGBT Pride Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Dorothy Louise Taliaferro "Del" Martin and Phyllis Ann Lyon was an American lesbian couple known as feminists and gay-rights activists.
Pitman's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and somewhat informative. The narrative is less biographical than a portrait of change, Pitman imagines LGBTQ activists Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin looking out their window at the city of San Francisco, which contrasts the past and present. Fortunately, there is additional information about the couple’s activism, marriage equality, and San Francisco. Lyles' illustrations are nicely done in patchwork collages, which conjure a bustling and inclusive city.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Despite the subtitle, there is very little information about Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin from the primary narrative, which contrasts the past and present while highlighting local landmarks and buildings. While there is additional information about the couple in the back, it would have been nice to read who they were and how they helped changed the world within the main narrative.
All in all, When You Look Out the Window: How Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin Built a Community is a somewhat good children’s book, which offers a useful overview of LGBTQ history and women's right.
June, at least in my part of the world is LGBT Pride Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Dorothy Louise Taliaferro "Del" Martin and Phyllis Ann Lyon was an American lesbian couple known as feminists and gay-rights activists.
Pitman's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and somewhat informative. The narrative is less biographical than a portrait of change, Pitman imagines LGBTQ activists Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin looking out their window at the city of San Francisco, which contrasts the past and present. Fortunately, there is additional information about the couple’s activism, marriage equality, and San Francisco. Lyles' illustrations are nicely done in patchwork collages, which conjure a bustling and inclusive city.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Despite the subtitle, there is very little information about Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin from the primary narrative, which contrasts the past and present while highlighting local landmarks and buildings. While there is additional information about the couple in the back, it would have been nice to read who they were and how they helped changed the world within the main narrative.
All in all, When You Look Out the Window: How Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin Built a Community is a somewhat good children’s book, which offers a useful overview of LGBTQ history and women's right.
December 29, 2017
Gayle Pitman is one of few authors who can do both— represent queer community accurately and write good books for children. More please.
June 1, 2018
This beautifully-illustrated picture book is told in the first-person voices of Phyllis Lyon & Del Martin, describing the city (San Francisco) in which they met, fell in love, made a home together, and had an effect on the city in both subtle and dramatic ways.
Unfortunately the effect they had on the city is relegated to the Reading Guide at the end of the book, in a boring-looking 4-page set of notes. (...followed by a 4-page Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators providing a rationale for reading books about LGBTQ history and culture, which is probably not going to be read by the people who need to hear it.) The text of the picture book that will be read aloud to young children is perplexingly vague and generically touristy.
For example, the text says, "Look just down the road, over there. You'll see a building that's made out of windows. It looks like it's warm in there. Our names are on the building next to it. That is a very warm place too..."
...In the Reading Guide, it explains that the "wall of windows" building is the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, and the other building is the Lyon-Martin Health Services, which was named after Phyllis and Del. The notes explain why these institutions were created and the significant effect their existence has in the community, which was huge!
I don't know why the author, known for her earlier work This Day in June, would believe that oversimplifying and condescending to young people helps them understand historical realities and the effects of social movements. In my mind, it's a waste of an opportunity.
Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity - especially related to rainbows: The text clearly says there has been a rainbow painted on the tunnel leading into the city "as long as we have been here" - but this is clearly shown to be totally insignificant by the words "People who didn't think we should love each other...No feeling of community..." and images of fellow residents with shocked and scowling facial expressions, and the Reading Guide description about "most lesbians and gay men" being "deeply in the closet..." Then later, the rainbow is used in images and text to signify pride. "...you'll see the biggest rainbow flag in the world, flapping in the wind..." and "We see a big rainbow community!" as well as rainbow imagery on every single page almost like a signpost to indicate welcome and acceptance of LGBTQ people - although the rainbow flag is never defined or explained.
When a young person has heard and seen this story, I'm not sure they will understand that the rainbow symbol apparently shifted from meaning nothing to meaning something, and how Phyllis and Del advanced that movement.
Basically, I don't see how telling a child that a building "looks REALLY important" gives them any useful input. The good intentions here were simply not thought through deeply enough, and I'm left feeling disappointed and frustrated.
Unfortunately the effect they had on the city is relegated to the Reading Guide at the end of the book, in a boring-looking 4-page set of notes. (...followed by a 4-page Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators providing a rationale for reading books about LGBTQ history and culture, which is probably not going to be read by the people who need to hear it.) The text of the picture book that will be read aloud to young children is perplexingly vague and generically touristy.
For example, the text says, "Look just down the road, over there. You'll see a building that's made out of windows. It looks like it's warm in there. Our names are on the building next to it. That is a very warm place too..."
...In the Reading Guide, it explains that the "wall of windows" building is the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, and the other building is the Lyon-Martin Health Services, which was named after Phyllis and Del. The notes explain why these institutions were created and the significant effect their existence has in the community, which was huge!
I don't know why the author, known for her earlier work This Day in June, would believe that oversimplifying and condescending to young people helps them understand historical realities and the effects of social movements. In my mind, it's a waste of an opportunity.
Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity - especially related to rainbows: The text clearly says there has been a rainbow painted on the tunnel leading into the city "as long as we have been here" - but this is clearly shown to be totally insignificant by the words "People who didn't think we should love each other...No feeling of community..." and images of fellow residents with shocked and scowling facial expressions, and the Reading Guide description about "most lesbians and gay men" being "deeply in the closet..." Then later, the rainbow is used in images and text to signify pride. "...you'll see the biggest rainbow flag in the world, flapping in the wind..." and "We see a big rainbow community!" as well as rainbow imagery on every single page almost like a signpost to indicate welcome and acceptance of LGBTQ people - although the rainbow flag is never defined or explained.
When a young person has heard and seen this story, I'm not sure they will understand that the rainbow symbol apparently shifted from meaning nothing to meaning something, and how Phyllis and Del advanced that movement.
Basically, I don't see how telling a child that a building "looks REALLY important" gives them any useful input. The good intentions here were simply not thought through deeply enough, and I'm left feeling disappointed and frustrated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
The story of Lyon's and Martin's activism is more of a 3 star. However, I found the backmatter quite impressive and rounded up accordingly. The reading guide provides more information about both women and the founding of DOB, the Glide Urban Center, the Women's Building and Del's book Battered Wives that was the first to attribute domestic violence to institutionalized sexism. Then mention of the Moscone Convention Center named after the Mayor who worked closely with Harvey Milk and appointing Martin to SF HRC and chair of SF Commission on the Status of Women. (Both Moscone's and Milk's assassinations are acknowledged.). SF City Hall where Lyon and Martin were married twice and how both marriages were voided or outlawed. How health care has been such a big obstacle for LGBT+s and the formation of the Lyon-Martin Health Services. Finally, brief mentions of other safe neighborhoods created in the US and the GLBT History Museum.
The last section is what touched me most as a former Children's Librarian and the resurgence of book banning. How harmful it is to children to not see themselves represented in books. Sending the message "they don't exist, they don't matter, or that there's something dreadfully wrong with them or unnatural about them." Books are important because they 1. Boost self esteem. 2. Prevent and counteract stereotypes. 3. Promote empathy 4. Make the reader socially aware. 5. Prevent bullying and harassment. 6. Develop perspective-taking skills. 7. Opens up possibilities for everyone. Suggestions for using the book and lists of further resources round out the great information.
The last section is what touched me most as a former Children's Librarian and the resurgence of book banning. How harmful it is to children to not see themselves represented in books. Sending the message "they don't exist, they don't matter, or that there's something dreadfully wrong with them or unnatural about them." Books are important because they 1. Boost self esteem. 2. Prevent and counteract stereotypes. 3. Promote empathy 4. Make the reader socially aware. 5. Prevent bullying and harassment. 6. Develop perspective-taking skills. 7. Opens up possibilities for everyone. Suggestions for using the book and lists of further resources round out the great information.
July 2, 2024
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A sweet book providing a tour of San Francisco landmarks related to the LGBTQ community, all of which are visible from Lyon and Martin's picture window. The text follows the transformation from when the couple first moved in to the community that blossomed.
The text is fairly simple. It gives a glimpse out of Lyon and Martin's window, pointing out different landmarks. The descriptions themselves do not state what the landmarks are specifically, but rather describe them and create a general scene of community. Fairly vague, but the text makes much more sense with the backmatter.
The artwork is lovely. I really enjoy Lyles collages, which incorporate photographs, letters, drawings, and watercolor.
What really elevates this book is the backmatter. It includes a Reading Guide that provides more details on each of the landmarks mentioned and how they relate to Lyon and Martin's activism and legacy. There is also a note about the importance of learning LGBTQ history and culture, ways to use the book with children, and a list of additional resources.
The story itself was okay. Loved the illustrations. The backmatter really makes this book stand out. Overall, a nice read.
A sweet book providing a tour of San Francisco landmarks related to the LGBTQ community, all of which are visible from Lyon and Martin's picture window. The text follows the transformation from when the couple first moved in to the community that blossomed.
The text is fairly simple. It gives a glimpse out of Lyon and Martin's window, pointing out different landmarks. The descriptions themselves do not state what the landmarks are specifically, but rather describe them and create a general scene of community. Fairly vague, but the text makes much more sense with the backmatter.
The artwork is lovely. I really enjoy Lyles collages, which incorporate photographs, letters, drawings, and watercolor.
What really elevates this book is the backmatter. It includes a Reading Guide that provides more details on each of the landmarks mentioned and how they relate to Lyon and Martin's activism and legacy. There is also a note about the importance of learning LGBTQ history and culture, ways to use the book with children, and a list of additional resources.
The story itself was okay. Loved the illustrations. The backmatter really makes this book stand out. Overall, a nice read.
March 22, 2018
I love this book as a concept but think it underperforms as a historical book or biography, because all the explaining is in the end matter. It still works as a picture book, showing different buildings and places outside their window that reflect the community Lyon and Martin helped found and build. However, the text of the book itself isn't "how they built a community" but rather "here's the community they built." The tone is gentle and celebratory and uplifting.
If you're a San Francisco person, this book is even more relevant, since it's literally about the larger San Francisco community becoming the queer mecca it is today. If you're looking for this book to teach children or others about a wonderful community, or queer history generally, the end matter will be very informative and useful to you, and you can use this book as a jumping-off point for further learning.
I still recommend it. There are so few books for young children about the queer community or queer history, and Pitman deeply understands that more mirrors are needed, and is joyfully supplying us with some of them. Buy this for everyone and read it to everyone and celebrate community together.
If you're a San Francisco person, this book is even more relevant, since it's literally about the larger San Francisco community becoming the queer mecca it is today. If you're looking for this book to teach children or others about a wonderful community, or queer history generally, the end matter will be very informative and useful to you, and you can use this book as a jumping-off point for further learning.
I still recommend it. There are so few books for young children about the queer community or queer history, and Pitman deeply understands that more mirrors are needed, and is joyfully supplying us with some of them. Buy this for everyone and read it to everyone and celebrate community together.
May 26, 2018
This picture book is supposedly about Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, two prominent lesbian activists who were a couple. However, it gives very little concrete information about them. The main text doesn't even mention their names once. Instead, it gives a very vague overview of how their community changed to be more inclusive without mentioning what specifically they did. I did not learn details until reading the reading guide in the back. That being said, it is a nice book about inclusion and community and the illustrations are lovely. I just wouldn't recommend it for learning much about Phyllis Lyon or Del Martin.
August 20, 2022
As much as I think the back matter is important, the story part of this book doesn't work. It tells what SF was like, and how it's different now, but it doesn't give the SLIGHTEST indication of how Lyon and Martin made anything different or better. Their story deserves to be told, better.
Also, the artwork is beautiful but puzzling--colorful with collaged old papers, some of which refer to SF history, but I'm not sure why cutouts of black and white photos of people were included--they are from a much older era and confuse the timeframe.
Disappointing.
Also, the artwork is beautiful but puzzling--colorful with collaged old papers, some of which refer to SF history, but I'm not sure why cutouts of black and white photos of people were included--they are from a much older era and confuse the timeframe.
Disappointing.
June 20, 2019
It was hard to tell what this book was trying to say. It felt like there was too much missing from the story to really know what the story was, I didn't feel like I actually learned very much about these important historical figures or what they did.
UPDATE: Reread this with my best friend to see if ze'd experience it similarly or differently from how I did. Ze had the same reaction as I did.
UPDATE: Reread this with my best friend to see if ze'd experience it similarly or differently from how I did. Ze had the same reaction as I did.
August 26, 2017
This story tells reality without directly saying what it is talking about. Allusions exist in the text and illustrations, but discussing the true meaning would be critical for children to understand the book.
November 15, 2018
Difficult to read, certainly requires a grown up companion who has read the Reading guide carefully. Then again, can also be read as just another picture book with pretty illustrations and makes for a great game of spot the rainbow as well.
July 10, 2019
This was a quick read with a lot of San Francisco history told in drawings and words for children. The pages that follow the story explain everything to the adults, so that they can help talk about the changes that happened in the city over the years.
April 10, 2018
I was really hoping for more, for at least real pictures of them in the back. It was choppy and didn’t make sense till you read the back of the book.
September 25, 2018
This book just hints as to what the problem was, but does depict different relationships in the community, and the unwelcome feelings that these women felt.
August 8, 2019
A good book about the general concept of community, but doesn't really provide concrete information on their life or HOW exactly they contributed to building their community.
January 16, 2020
Didn't really care for this one until I got to the Reading Guide & Notes to Parents & Caregivers at the back of the book! Wow! What great information! A must for any family or elementary classroom!
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September 29, 2017Picture P685w 2017
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July 23, 2018A beautifully illustrated book uses the device of looking out Phyllis Lyon's and Del Martin's window at various landmarks in LGBTQ history-in-the-making. The story is enhanced by the reading guide in the back which has a wealth of information in the form of commentary for each of the buildings and views from their window.
The Noted to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators references the classic article "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors" by Rudine Sims Bishop.
The Noted to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators references the classic article "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors" by Rudine Sims Bishop.
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