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Queerbook: A funny fact-filled new teen non-fiction book on LGBTQ+ culture and history for 2024
Queerness is everywhere and it always has been. But queer stories, culture and communities have been often hidden . . .
'This affirming whistlestop tour through queer history and culture features an A-Z of camp icons as well as protest timelines, changing terminology, iconic artists, music, film and more. Engaging, witty and thoughtful, it’s full of a supportive kindness that LGBTQ+ teens may find indispensable.’ – Guardian
Queerbook is an invitation to discover and celebrate queer joy, past and present. It’s a whistlestop tour of all the fun (and serious) queer stuff that the foghorn of straight culture drowns out, and that you deserve to heroes and histories, science and stories, art, spaces, music, film, TV, fashion – along with jargon-free breakdowns of terms from sexuality and gender identity, to code-switching, intersectionality, bi-erasure, straightwashing, and much, much more.
You don’t need any specific interests to read Queerbook – all you need is curiosity and a desire to learn more about what it means to be LGBTQ+. So, say no to the Straightrix and enter the technicolour world over the rainbow . . . Ready? Queer we go!
'This affirming whistlestop tour through queer history and culture features an A-Z of camp icons as well as protest timelines, changing terminology, iconic artists, music, film and more. Engaging, witty and thoughtful, it’s full of a supportive kindness that LGBTQ+ teens may find indispensable.’ – Guardian
Queerbook is an invitation to discover and celebrate queer joy, past and present. It’s a whistlestop tour of all the fun (and serious) queer stuff that the foghorn of straight culture drowns out, and that you deserve to heroes and histories, science and stories, art, spaces, music, film, TV, fashion – along with jargon-free breakdowns of terms from sexuality and gender identity, to code-switching, intersectionality, bi-erasure, straightwashing, and much, much more.
You don’t need any specific interests to read Queerbook – all you need is curiosity and a desire to learn more about what it means to be LGBTQ+. So, say no to the Straightrix and enter the technicolour world over the rainbow . . . Ready? Queer we go!
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2024
6 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 18, 2024
I picked this book up on a whim. I was browsing my local bookshop, and the bright colours and quirky title drew me in. I almost didn't buy it as I am not usually one to read non-fiction. I thought, screw it, I'm a member of this prestige community, and I know next to nothing about our history and statistics. I am incredibly grateful I picked it up.
This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster. Learning facts about people and places that are so important had a profound effect on me. I cried over some of what I learned, but most of the book was filled with laughter and joy. Malcolm has this way of writing that is comforting, and it feels like he is talking to you over a cup of tea and some biscuits. It drew you in and made you want to learn more.
Whether you are an ally, part of the community or unsure where you fit, this book is important. I may have to look into more books like it. I want to know more. I want to understand more. This book has lit a spark in me, and I hope I will follow it.
This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster. Learning facts about people and places that are so important had a profound effect on me. I cried over some of what I learned, but most of the book was filled with laughter and joy. Malcolm has this way of writing that is comforting, and it feels like he is talking to you over a cup of tea and some biscuits. It drew you in and made you want to learn more.
Whether you are an ally, part of the community or unsure where you fit, this book is important. I may have to look into more books like it. I want to know more. I want to understand more. This book has lit a spark in me, and I hope I will follow it.
April 3, 2024
Welcome to Queerbook, your ticket to an amazing world over the rainbow that no one tells you about because - heteronormativity (yawn). What a bloody brilliant book. Informative, fun and important! I wished I had this growing up. There’s loads of books that focus on one aspect of queer history or culture, but Queerbook’s got it ALL.
It’s an uplifting utopia where plucky lesbian albatrosses (the legit biggest queer community on earth) rub shoulders with bisexual buccaneers, gay cowboys and drag queens. This book was segmented into four easy chapters: ‘This is Us’, a chapter all about queer people themselves, including identities, science and statistics. ‘Queer Spaces’, which was just that, and featured the ballroom scene. ‘WTF History’, which was the most fascinating and eye-opening chapter. And ‘Queered Up Culture’ last, which was my favourite chapter, filled with lists of songs, films and books amongst other things.
Queerbook was such a fun journey into everything queer and is great for all ages. The illustrations are super cute and complements the text so well. If Gillian Anderson loves this book then so do I! 🩷💚
It’s an uplifting utopia where plucky lesbian albatrosses (the legit biggest queer community on earth) rub shoulders with bisexual buccaneers, gay cowboys and drag queens. This book was segmented into four easy chapters: ‘This is Us’, a chapter all about queer people themselves, including identities, science and statistics. ‘Queer Spaces’, which was just that, and featured the ballroom scene. ‘WTF History’, which was the most fascinating and eye-opening chapter. And ‘Queered Up Culture’ last, which was my favourite chapter, filled with lists of songs, films and books amongst other things.
Queerbook was such a fun journey into everything queer and is great for all ages. The illustrations are super cute and complements the text so well. If Gillian Anderson loves this book then so do I! 🩷💚
February 17, 2024
Easy to read book of joy and bit sized pieces of information on all things about being queer. I like how lighthearted yet thoughtful the book is in addressing all these topics without it putting teenagers down or scarring them. Would 100% recommend!
June 8, 2025
Look at least I got some playlist suggestions out of it.
I understand that this was the authors cherished scrapbook but he needed a ruthless editor to help him transform it to be more useful to other people.
A lot of it is just lists of things he likes. Statistics are used without attribution...hiw do we know they're not made up. A lot of it's very shallow which I guess some people would love but it ignores the radical nature of queerness and makes sweeping assumptions (no we don't all have crushes on villains or watch Disney). Halberstam does cultural studies better (I don't like it then either but I can respect it as useful).
Places in this book need context "and that's why we have the house system" huh? What are you even talking about? The science near the beginning had some errors (perform a basic fact check) which doesn't help the cause as don't huge claims "gays invented everything I like".
I failed the quiz. It was cliquey and alienating. Some queers are happy swamp goblin nerds you know...we're not all pampered rich kids. It does a disclaimer "this is just a joke" at the end but still. Why?
If this was an actual scrap book of one of my friends I'd be happy for them...as a personal thing. I don't know why someone agreed to publish it though.
I understand that this was the authors cherished scrapbook but he needed a ruthless editor to help him transform it to be more useful to other people.
A lot of it is just lists of things he likes. Statistics are used without attribution...hiw do we know they're not made up. A lot of it's very shallow which I guess some people would love but it ignores the radical nature of queerness and makes sweeping assumptions (no we don't all have crushes on villains or watch Disney). Halberstam does cultural studies better (I don't like it then either but I can respect it as useful).
Places in this book need context "and that's why we have the house system" huh? What are you even talking about? The science near the beginning had some errors (perform a basic fact check) which doesn't help the cause as don't huge claims "gays invented everything I like".
I failed the quiz. It was cliquey and alienating. Some queers are happy swamp goblin nerds you know...we're not all pampered rich kids. It does a disclaimer "this is just a joke" at the end but still. Why?
If this was an actual scrap book of one of my friends I'd be happy for them...as a personal thing. I don't know why someone agreed to publish it though.
June 1, 2025
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ HAPPY PRIDE MONTH 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
I read Queerbook on the first day of Pride Month, and I couldn’t have chosen a better book to kick things off. This book is funny, fresh, and highly informative. It is the kind of book that makes you laugh out loud (it’s true. I physically laughed out loud several times while reading it) while learning real, important LGBTQ+ history and culture.
Malcolm MacKenzie’s voice is witty and sharp, and Emily A. Foster’s illustrations are so bold and spot on, they perfectly match the vibe. From drag and identity to milestones in queer activism, this book breaks things down in a way that’s both accessible and empowering for teens and adults.
It’s not just about facts, it’s about feeling seen and sharing hope with others. And it totally delivers.
If you’re looking for something to brighten your shelf and kickstart this June (and learn a thing or two while you’re at it), Queerbook is the book to start with.
I read Queerbook on the first day of Pride Month, and I couldn’t have chosen a better book to kick things off. This book is funny, fresh, and highly informative. It is the kind of book that makes you laugh out loud (it’s true. I physically laughed out loud several times while reading it) while learning real, important LGBTQ+ history and culture.
Malcolm MacKenzie’s voice is witty and sharp, and Emily A. Foster’s illustrations are so bold and spot on, they perfectly match the vibe. From drag and identity to milestones in queer activism, this book breaks things down in a way that’s both accessible and empowering for teens and adults.
It’s not just about facts, it’s about feeling seen and sharing hope with others. And it totally delivers.
If you’re looking for something to brighten your shelf and kickstart this June (and learn a thing or two while you’re at it), Queerbook is the book to start with.
January 10, 2026
Queerbook is a fun, engaging, and easy to read book covering a wide range of facts, examples and stories about queer history, art, and culture. Containing short overviews of many different topics, I would absolutely recommend !
This book is split into four sections
1- this is us: exploring definitions, science and history surrounding queer identity
2- queer spaces: exploring queer spaces, their importance, and where they’ve presented themselves throughout history
3- WTF history: exploring the ups and downs throughout history of LGBTQ+ acceptance, identity and understanding
4- queered-up culture: examples of different queer artists, musicians, authors, movies, tv and other pop culture.
I especially enjoyed the fourth section as it provided recommendations for many different movies, books and shows that I then went on to look at.
This book is split into four sections
1- this is us: exploring definitions, science and history surrounding queer identity
2- queer spaces: exploring queer spaces, their importance, and where they’ve presented themselves throughout history
3- WTF history: exploring the ups and downs throughout history of LGBTQ+ acceptance, identity and understanding
4- queered-up culture: examples of different queer artists, musicians, authors, movies, tv and other pop culture.
I especially enjoyed the fourth section as it provided recommendations for many different movies, books and shows that I then went on to look at.
February 22, 2024
A quick and easy read that I finished in one sitting. It is non fiction which Iknow some readers find a slog, but trust me this book is anything but. It is a celebration of everything queer, it is fun, full of facts and very important.
It is split up into 4 easy chapters with each one being just as good as the previous one and I was totally along for the ride, I found it fascinating. The book also has illustrations which I loved as it really enhanced the book and is something that I think will make it perfect for all ages. I will be highly recommending it to everyone.
It is split up into 4 easy chapters with each one being just as good as the previous one and I was totally along for the ride, I found it fascinating. The book also has illustrations which I loved as it really enhanced the book and is something that I think will make it perfect for all ages. I will be highly recommending it to everyone.
March 10, 2024
Malcolm Mackenzie is an award-winning author, editor and journalist. This entertaining and informative YA book is a good summary of LGBTQ+ history and culture with lively illustrations by Emily A Foster. Despite being broad in scope there’s inevitably a personal element to the choices here and I wondered if there could have been more contemporary LGBTQ+ people/culture but it’s still a great introduction for any teens interested in queer culture.
August 3, 2024
Loved this accessible package of Queer history, knowledge and celebration - easy to digest and recommend and most of all, uplifting to read
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews