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For Kids
Gay & Lesbian History for Kids: The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights, with 21 Activities
2016 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People List
Lambda Literary Award Finalist
On the Rainbow Book List
Who transformed George Washington’s demoralized troops at Valley Forge into a fighting force that defeated an empire? Who cracked Germany’s Enigma code and shortened World War II? Who successfully lobbied the US Congress to outlaw child labor? And who organized the 1963 March on Washington? Ls, Gs, Bs, and Ts, that’s who.
Given today’s news, it would be easy to get the impression that the campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality is a recent development, but it is only the final act in a struggle that started more than a century ago. The history is told through personal stories and firsthand accounts of the movement’s key events, like the 1950s “Lavender Scare,” the Stonewall Inn uprising, and the AIDS crisis. Kids will learn about civil rights mavericks, like Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, founder of the first gay rights organization; Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, who turned the Daughters of Bilitis from a lesbian social club into a powerhouse for LGBT freedom; Christine Jorgensen, the nation’s first famous transgender; and Harvey Milk, the first out candidate to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Also chronicled are the historic contributions of famous LGBT individuals, from General von Steuben and Alan Turing to Jane Addams and Bayard Rustin, among others. This up-to-date history includes the landmark Supreme Court decision making marriage equality the law of the land. Twenty-one activities enliven the history and demonstrate the spirited ways the LGBT community has pushed for positive social change.
Kids write a free verse poem like Walt Whitman; learn “The Madison” line dance; remember a loved one with a quilt panel; perform a monologue from The Laramie Project; make up a song parody; and much more.
Lambda Literary Award Finalist
On the Rainbow Book List
Who transformed George Washington’s demoralized troops at Valley Forge into a fighting force that defeated an empire? Who cracked Germany’s Enigma code and shortened World War II? Who successfully lobbied the US Congress to outlaw child labor? And who organized the 1963 March on Washington? Ls, Gs, Bs, and Ts, that’s who.
Given today’s news, it would be easy to get the impression that the campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality is a recent development, but it is only the final act in a struggle that started more than a century ago. The history is told through personal stories and firsthand accounts of the movement’s key events, like the 1950s “Lavender Scare,” the Stonewall Inn uprising, and the AIDS crisis. Kids will learn about civil rights mavericks, like Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, founder of the first gay rights organization; Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, who turned the Daughters of Bilitis from a lesbian social club into a powerhouse for LGBT freedom; Christine Jorgensen, the nation’s first famous transgender; and Harvey Milk, the first out candidate to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Also chronicled are the historic contributions of famous LGBT individuals, from General von Steuben and Alan Turing to Jane Addams and Bayard Rustin, among others. This up-to-date history includes the landmark Supreme Court decision making marriage equality the law of the land. Twenty-one activities enliven the history and demonstrate the spirited ways the LGBT community has pushed for positive social change.
Kids write a free verse poem like Walt Whitman; learn “The Madison” line dance; remember a loved one with a quilt panel; perform a monologue from The Laramie Project; make up a song parody; and much more.
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2015
16 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 2, 2017
I'm going to preface this with, I am a progressive individual, fully support all rights to LGBTQ people, and work for a lgbtq nonprofit. Nothing in this review is because I am homophobic or have deep seeded hatred. I simply can't stand the writing and presentation of this book.
To start, This is not an unbiased look at LGBT history in the US. It is not a "make your own judgement" book. No, it's pretty clear that the bias here is that those lgbtq people are innocent victims and if you weren't with them, you are an enemy. The LGBTQ community is put on a pedestal in this book and nothing can shatter the author's views that this group has been oppressed for millennium and they are the victims of the white man. Or that the LGBTQ community did nothing wrong and were innocent victims. An exploration into the reasons for the fear and anger towards gays would have provided a better, well rounded understanding of the past and place some context for the anger of the lgbtq community.
The first chapter was all about proving there were homosexuals since the Romans. No context about how they were received, or viewed, just "See! We existed a long time ago!" How'd we go from openly gay Greeks to persecuted gays at Plymouth? No mention of the culture or reasons for the persecution. Pohlen states, "Whitman... He was certainly gay." And a few lines later admits, "Whitman never publicly admitted that he he was gay." No one cares if Whitman was gay, what we do care about is the world he lived in as a closeted gay man and why he was in the closet. Again, give some context!
There are gross generalization of many group in this book. It was ridiculous. It feels as if you can feel Pohlen's lifelong frustration of perhaps his own persecution and biases coming through. White, gay men, are not given stereotypes, but every other group is. For example, Pohlen makes the assumption that every woman who fought in the Civil War was transgender. Stop it.
This is also unnessary descriptors used for people that paint them in ways they don't need to be. In referring to the Stonewall Riots he writes, "a "butch" lesbian who the police roughed up...". Why is "butch" needed? She could have been "a lesbian" with nothing else needed. He doesn't describe men as "flowery" so stop doing that to the female players
Later, he writes, "it wasn't just crackpots like Lyndon LaRouche...". How can I take this seriously if the term "crackpot" is used as a legit was to describe someone. Again, this person was straight, and therefore an enemy, so this language can be used.
And the use of italics! This is history, I dont need personal commentary by Pohlen on how I should feel. The italics aren't consistent and add unnecessary emphasis only on the things that straight people were doing to oppress lgbt's.
I wanted to read this book because I genuinely wanted an easy to read book covering the history of LGBTQ in America. Instead, I got a biased novel on the oppression of homosexuals and how awful people are. Pohlen should have kept his personal views to himself and not interject what he feels into the writing. This is not a book for children who are looking for an entry to understanding lgbtq history, but for adults who have critical thinking skills to see the holes in writing.
Ps- the activities are a joke and the book layout is awful to try to read.
To start, This is not an unbiased look at LGBT history in the US. It is not a "make your own judgement" book. No, it's pretty clear that the bias here is that those lgbtq people are innocent victims and if you weren't with them, you are an enemy. The LGBTQ community is put on a pedestal in this book and nothing can shatter the author's views that this group has been oppressed for millennium and they are the victims of the white man. Or that the LGBTQ community did nothing wrong and were innocent victims. An exploration into the reasons for the fear and anger towards gays would have provided a better, well rounded understanding of the past and place some context for the anger of the lgbtq community.
The first chapter was all about proving there were homosexuals since the Romans. No context about how they were received, or viewed, just "See! We existed a long time ago!" How'd we go from openly gay Greeks to persecuted gays at Plymouth? No mention of the culture or reasons for the persecution. Pohlen states, "Whitman... He was certainly gay." And a few lines later admits, "Whitman never publicly admitted that he he was gay." No one cares if Whitman was gay, what we do care about is the world he lived in as a closeted gay man and why he was in the closet. Again, give some context!
There are gross generalization of many group in this book. It was ridiculous. It feels as if you can feel Pohlen's lifelong frustration of perhaps his own persecution and biases coming through. White, gay men, are not given stereotypes, but every other group is. For example, Pohlen makes the assumption that every woman who fought in the Civil War was transgender. Stop it.
This is also unnessary descriptors used for people that paint them in ways they don't need to be. In referring to the Stonewall Riots he writes, "a "butch" lesbian who the police roughed up...". Why is "butch" needed? She could have been "a lesbian" with nothing else needed. He doesn't describe men as "flowery" so stop doing that to the female players
Later, he writes, "it wasn't just crackpots like Lyndon LaRouche...". How can I take this seriously if the term "crackpot" is used as a legit was to describe someone. Again, this person was straight, and therefore an enemy, so this language can be used.
And the use of italics! This is history, I dont need personal commentary by Pohlen on how I should feel. The italics aren't consistent and add unnecessary emphasis only on the things that straight people were doing to oppress lgbt's.
I wanted to read this book because I genuinely wanted an easy to read book covering the history of LGBTQ in America. Instead, I got a biased novel on the oppression of homosexuals and how awful people are. Pohlen should have kept his personal views to himself and not interject what he feels into the writing. This is not a book for children who are looking for an entry to understanding lgbtq history, but for adults who have critical thinking skills to see the holes in writing.
Ps- the activities are a joke and the book layout is awful to try to read.
March 7, 2017
Gay and Lesbian History is an eye-opening read for those with little to no knowledge of the subject, an informative resource for middle school kids, and a vital mirror for LGBTQ individuals with its plethora of historical and current persons to find affirmation in. As much as this title is full of information on historical events, and persons, of importance (although US-centric), it is also a vessel for stimulating a discussion about human rights, social justice, activism, identity, and love; topics which were expressed throughout, but never developed upon outside the immediate context. The creators also included a bunch of activities, but these are fairly superfluous, the history itself is engaging, includes ample photos, is sectioned by decade, and broken up into even more manageable chunks within each part. Most middle school children should have no problem with it. Because the battle for equal rights is far from over, children need to hear about, and think about, the why's, and the what to do's. Whether you are a young LGTBQ individual in need of a hero like yourself, a heterosexual person with a desire to learn, or really just a caring human being, the Gay and Lesbian History is a great introductory title to some of the most important topics in modern times.
December 23, 2016
Great overview of LGBT history in the U.S. (and some international coverage) for middle grades. Wish I had it as a kid. It falls short of five stars for me only because so many of the activities seem totally irrelevant, too elementary, or just disruptive to the flow of the narrative. They just seem unnecessary.
February 15, 2019
The book is a unique and non-judgmental approach to sharing history for young people. It offers simple and easily explained activities as it goes through the famous, infamous, heartbreaking and positive moments in LGBTQ+ history.
It discusses the major celebratory days for the LGBTQ community, those who paved the way for those rights, and includes major timelines throughout.
I have to say, though they're simple, the activities featured in the book (like did you know that the High-Five was invented by a gay baseball player? Passive High five game) or learn how to Madison (which was a dance popular back in its time, because same-sex couples couldn't "touch".). It offers up open-mindedness in creating free verse poems, boycotting something, reading a Banned/Challenged Book, designing a flag or button or your own symbol or ribbons for a cause, creating a Names Quilt Panel, or celebrating Day with (out) Art!
The only downside of this book is I fear it will become outdated sooner than later, so I hope that the author does a REVISED edition in another 10 years.
It discusses the major celebratory days for the LGBTQ community, those who paved the way for those rights, and includes major timelines throughout.
I have to say, though they're simple, the activities featured in the book (like did you know that the High-Five was invented by a gay baseball player? Passive High five game) or learn how to Madison (which was a dance popular back in its time, because same-sex couples couldn't "touch".). It offers up open-mindedness in creating free verse poems, boycotting something, reading a Banned/Challenged Book, designing a flag or button or your own symbol or ribbons for a cause, creating a Names Quilt Panel, or celebrating Day with (out) Art!
The only downside of this book is I fear it will become outdated sooner than later, so I hope that the author does a REVISED edition in another 10 years.
August 28, 2015
I really wanted to like this book, but the "activities" parts nearly ruined it for me. The book includes a timeline, lots of photos, LGBT Hero snapshots and good historical information about LGBT people throughout history. It discusses persecution against LGBT people and their struggle for rights. From Leonardo DaVinci to Oscar Wilde, and Cary Grant to Ellen DeGeneres, a large variety of influential LGBT people are featured. I think the best audience for this book is middle school and high school age kids. The activites, however, are more for upper elementary age kids and many have little to do with the history of gay people - like find the constellation Aquarius because it is from a Greek myth about Ganymeade, a mortal man whom Zeus loved. I thought the activities were too young for the audience the book should be read by and somewhat condescending. I think the book would be better without the activities.
November 25, 2019
Considering there are still not many books on the topic for young readers, I really wanted to like this book, but there are a few problems:
1. Target audience is ambiguous: It's about the history of LGBT, and the text suggests the readers are from about 10 to 15. (Younger kids are to develop the sense of history.) However, the activities are more childish, and most of them (eg. finding the constellation Aquarius) probably do little to help understand LGBT issues.
2. Terms are undefined and used erroneously: LGB is about orientation, not practice. A gay man who marries a woman to fulfill social expectation, etc. is NOT bi; same with gay woman. A bi person who is married to the opposite sex member is still bi. And I have no idea why the concept of Q (queer--not as the synonym of gay, but as in f*ck the binary system) is ignored.
3. Misleading info: For instance, on page 5, it says, "William Shakespeare may have admitted to being bisexual in Sonnet 144." Most, not just this piece, of Shakespeare's sonnets are for a (male) fair youth, then a female lover shows up. Chapter 1 presents how homosexuality was accepted in the ancient Greece, but doesn't explain how/why it became ostracized. Same with two-spirit people of the Native American tradition. (It seems to me the author doesn't want to face the Christian dogma and the European colonization of the world.) Because there is no explanation how the discrimination started, there is only victim mentality.
After Chapter 1, I only scanned through the book. I gather I can collect the same info, explained better, from other sources.
1. Target audience is ambiguous: It's about the history of LGBT, and the text suggests the readers are from about 10 to 15. (Younger kids are to develop the sense of history.) However, the activities are more childish, and most of them (eg. finding the constellation Aquarius) probably do little to help understand LGBT issues.
2. Terms are undefined and used erroneously: LGB is about orientation, not practice. A gay man who marries a woman to fulfill social expectation, etc. is NOT bi; same with gay woman. A bi person who is married to the opposite sex member is still bi. And I have no idea why the concept of Q (queer--not as the synonym of gay, but as in f*ck the binary system) is ignored.
3. Misleading info: For instance, on page 5, it says, "William Shakespeare may have admitted to being bisexual in Sonnet 144." Most, not just this piece, of Shakespeare's sonnets are for a (male) fair youth, then a female lover shows up. Chapter 1 presents how homosexuality was accepted in the ancient Greece, but doesn't explain how/why it became ostracized. Same with two-spirit people of the Native American tradition. (It seems to me the author doesn't want to face the Christian dogma and the European colonization of the world.) Because there is no explanation how the discrimination started, there is only victim mentality.
After Chapter 1, I only scanned through the book. I gather I can collect the same info, explained better, from other sources.
July 8, 2015
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to receive a copy of this book because it had so much potential. Unfortunately the structure and unsupported conjecture just ruined it for me. Basically every section is broken up into unconnected paragraphs, each of which covers a different historical personage. There is just no cohesiveness anywhere.
I am fully in support of highlighting LGBT men and women from history. I think it's a great idea to educate children about the different kinds of people they are going to grow to interact with. We are also supposed to teach them not to assume and label people as something without knowing because it is not something they want done to themselves. So I had a lot of difficulty with this author for just claiming several historical figures as gay or lesbian just because there is no historical data to refute it.
I think with some editing and less grasping at straws, this book could be great. This book is meant to be nonfiction and with the rich LGBT history we have in closer generations, there really is no need to hypothesize about leaders centuries ago. It might have made more sense if there was an entire section dedicated to those we suspect were members of the LGBT community as opposed to this seeming desperation to label historical figures as what they may or may not have been.
I'm giving this book 3 stars. With the great change of legalizing same sex marriage throughout the nation, we do need to be proactive in educating the nation's children to ensure we stamp out bigotry before it is created. However, this book is poorly slapped together and was actually in many places hard to follow due to the different subjects not always seeming to connect from paragraph to paragraph.
The activities are fun and help engage the reader - which is always beneficial when focusing on a younger audience. I think that the vocabulary and overall language used is right for the target age group.
I really would have liked to give this book 5 stars but having been an engineering student, I know the importance of making sure your audience understands the difference between what is an unproven hypothesis and what you have successfully proven. After some serious editing and restructuring, I would most likely be able to give this book a better rating.
I was so excited to receive a copy of this book because it had so much potential. Unfortunately the structure and unsupported conjecture just ruined it for me. Basically every section is broken up into unconnected paragraphs, each of which covers a different historical personage. There is just no cohesiveness anywhere.
I am fully in support of highlighting LGBT men and women from history. I think it's a great idea to educate children about the different kinds of people they are going to grow to interact with. We are also supposed to teach them not to assume and label people as something without knowing because it is not something they want done to themselves. So I had a lot of difficulty with this author for just claiming several historical figures as gay or lesbian just because there is no historical data to refute it.
I think with some editing and less grasping at straws, this book could be great. This book is meant to be nonfiction and with the rich LGBT history we have in closer generations, there really is no need to hypothesize about leaders centuries ago. It might have made more sense if there was an entire section dedicated to those we suspect were members of the LGBT community as opposed to this seeming desperation to label historical figures as what they may or may not have been.
I'm giving this book 3 stars. With the great change of legalizing same sex marriage throughout the nation, we do need to be proactive in educating the nation's children to ensure we stamp out bigotry before it is created. However, this book is poorly slapped together and was actually in many places hard to follow due to the different subjects not always seeming to connect from paragraph to paragraph.
The activities are fun and help engage the reader - which is always beneficial when focusing on a younger audience. I think that the vocabulary and overall language used is right for the target age group.
I really would have liked to give this book 5 stars but having been an engineering student, I know the importance of making sure your audience understands the difference between what is an unproven hypothesis and what you have successfully proven. After some serious editing and restructuring, I would most likely be able to give this book a better rating.
February 26, 2017
How does a person change the world? By advocating. And how does one advocate properly? By being educated. And how does one gain the knowledge and learning they need? By reading insightful, intriguing, and well-researched and formatted books like this. LGBTQIA rights in this nation are the next great frontier. Shutting the mouths and opening the minds of those that wish to live in the past and treat others as second class citizens absolutely must happen and soon. I have seen a lot of resources about the LGBT movement, but never one this comprehensive, and never one that is aimed at educating the next generation. We don't hesitate to put books about women's rights or African-American rights in the hands of children, so frankly it's overdue to have an LGBT rights book meant to guide children in their understanding of these heroic men and women. Starting with the ancient Greeks and moving through the Lavender Scare and the AIDS crisis before finishing up with legal same-sex marriage and the fight for Trans Rights, this book doesn't miss a beat. I think every library should have it and every teacher and parent should share it. Education is how you keep the next generation from being won over to the hateful ways of Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. Teach acceptance and love and our nation will be better for it.
December 16, 2016
Pros:
- A very important, very necessary history-textbook-lite for older kids, teens, and even adults
- Fascinating facts.
- Many important people, places and events covered or at least mentioned
- Many people's eyes will be opened and curiosities piqued
- Energy and caring went into the text
- Pretty well organized
- Nice resource section in the back
Cons:
- Paperback is floppy and ungainly to hold and read
- Page layout often doesn't use the wide pages, making the floppiness a mystery in several ways
- Cover too busy
- Layout dull, despite the purple
- Some of the included 'activities' seem aimed at little kids, but the text seems aimed at junior high/high school
- Some of the facts presented are debatable (such as Leonardo da Vinci's sexuality), though usually the author presages controversy with warnings
- Strong biases
- It's in the title, but the book favours and features groups in that order (Gay, then lesbian, then bi and trans, not really queer at all)
- Some nice international content, but overall American focus (which reflects the nature of the 20th Century Gay Rights movement and the publishing audience)
3.4 Stars
January 4, 2016
Free copy received from Goodreads Giveaway.
This book is capturing my students' attention in a way LGBTQ fiction has not. The profusion of photographs showing the people and events described in the text has helped a couple kids see that LGBTQ people are not "other," in a way that even the best illustrations in a story cannot. The text is a little long and dense for most of my English Language Learners, but their interest is high enough that they will struggle through one section at a time.
The material goes through the first half of 2015, including briefly the Obergefell v. Hodges decision and Caitlyn Jenner's revelation that she is transgender. The too-brief "What's Next" may be forgiven when you consider that an awful lot was changing as this book went to print, but I would have liked to see more information for young readers about the improvements our society has yet to make and how they might be a part of that progress. Overall, it is a wonderful resource for my students.
This book is capturing my students' attention in a way LGBTQ fiction has not. The profusion of photographs showing the people and events described in the text has helped a couple kids see that LGBTQ people are not "other," in a way that even the best illustrations in a story cannot. The text is a little long and dense for most of my English Language Learners, but their interest is high enough that they will struggle through one section at a time.
The material goes through the first half of 2015, including briefly the Obergefell v. Hodges decision and Caitlyn Jenner's revelation that she is transgender. The too-brief "What's Next" may be forgiven when you consider that an awful lot was changing as this book went to print, but I would have liked to see more information for young readers about the improvements our society has yet to make and how they might be a part of that progress. Overall, it is a wonderful resource for my students.
November 18, 2015
Gay and Lesbian History for Kids is an informative, engaging and visually stunning book. I really appreciate that it is thorough and inclusive and that the stories of lesbians and transgender folks are not just a side bar or afterthought. It will be a great resource for any child or teenager who wants to understand the challenges that gays and lesbians have endured and the many victories along the way. My only complaint is that many of the the activities seemed irrelevant to the topic and almost seemed made up to fulfill the requirement for 21 activities. It was especially startling to see a light, fun-filled activity in the same section where HIV and AIDS was discussed. Otherwise, a great addition to the For Kids Series.
Thank you to Edelweiss for allowing me to review this book for an honest opinion.
Thank you to Edelweiss for allowing me to review this book for an honest opinion.
May 28, 2016
A wonderfully comprehensive history of LGBTQ struggles in American history. The book begins with a brief history of LGBTQ history from 0 BC to 1900 AD and from there spends a chapter on almost every decade of the 20th and 21st century. LGBTQ Hero profiles are also interspersed throughout the text ranging from people like Gertrude Stein, to Leonardo Da Vinci, and Sir Ian McKellan, to Sally Ride. So many amazing people who I didn't know were LGBTQ.
I got the sense throughout the book of an immense history hidden behind the scenes of the stories I heard everyday in school. Men and women who fought important battles, changed lives, and challenged the status quo. We need a more diverse telling of history and in my opinion this is a great starting place, a book to show history from the eyes of a minority still fighting for every day human rights.
I got the sense throughout the book of an immense history hidden behind the scenes of the stories I heard everyday in school. Men and women who fought important battles, changed lives, and challenged the status quo. We need a more diverse telling of history and in my opinion this is a great starting place, a book to show history from the eyes of a minority still fighting for every day human rights.
March 4, 2017
Jerome Pohlen's Gay & Lesbian History for Kids and hoping that kids and their families will actually read it as well. It's a great introduction to LGBTQ history and the people who fought for rights. Marginalized people have often found ways to get their voices heard in the face of injustice and oppression. May people who are feeling lost, afraid, and angry now find the power and the inspiration to come together and stand up against evil. And let us encourage our youth to find their own passions because they can learn from our mistakes and our struggles to create a better world for themselves and for everyone.
I definitely learned about some people I hadn’t heard of people. The activities were unnecessary and seemed out of place.
I definitely learned about some people I hadn’t heard of people. The activities were unnecessary and seemed out of place.
March 9, 2016
A much needed resource, and I learned a lot!
The format was a bit too "choppy" for my tastes. Having said that, if an adult and a kid were reading through this together, then the adult could encourage the kid to seek out supplemental information to the very brief coverage of each time period in this book. That would add more depth to the individual histories. Teachers and parents would certainly be able to use this as a jumping off point for their own lessons and discussions.
Not sure what the target age was for this one, though. I'd say 10 and up, mainly because its "just the facts" writing style might not capture the interest of younger kids.
4 stars
The format was a bit too "choppy" for my tastes. Having said that, if an adult and a kid were reading through this together, then the adult could encourage the kid to seek out supplemental information to the very brief coverage of each time period in this book. That would add more depth to the individual histories. Teachers and parents would certainly be able to use this as a jumping off point for their own lessons and discussions.
Not sure what the target age was for this one, though. I'd say 10 and up, mainly because its "just the facts" writing style might not capture the interest of younger kids.
4 stars
October 25, 2018
As the title suggests, this book is primarily about gay & lesbian history, so there isn’t a ton about trans history. It could do a much better job weaving in race & class, as well. Still, it’s cool that a book for youth goes into detail about how direct action is part of pushing legislative change. It’s also pretty thoroughly researched & comprehensive, but pretty white (there is a part about Bayard Rustin & the civil rights movement & the acknowledgment of colonization on erasing native genders & two-spirit folks, at least).
Giving it a 4 because it’s better than other things I’ve seen, but I still want it to be better.
Giving it a 4 because it’s better than other things I’ve seen, but I still want it to be better.
July 22, 2018
I checked this book out of the library for my gay middle schooler, but read it before giving it to her and was extremely moved. I learned so much I hadn’t known. I agree with other reviewers that the included activities are a distraction and aimed at younger kids, while I do understand their inclusion as a way for readers to apply what they are learning. I also wish it had been a slightly less unwieldy size and shape for easier reading, but these are small quibbles about an extremely important and well written book.
November 11, 2015
This is a really informative history book, and it's certainly set up well for elementary and middle school aged kids to read. It's large and colorful with fun activities every few pages.
I think this is a great book for anyone who wants to keep kids educated in queer history, while keeping the learning process fun and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to being able to read this book with my nieces and nephews when they're old enough.
I think this is a great book for anyone who wants to keep kids educated in queer history, while keeping the learning process fun and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to being able to read this book with my nieces and nephews when they're old enough.
July 8, 2016
There were many things in this book that were never addressed in my high school or even college U.S. History classes. I think more LGBTQ history texts are definitely needed.
Like a few others mentioned in their reviews, the activities didn't seem to match the target age group of the text. The text seemed to be aimed for middle school age, but the activities were mostly at the elementary level. I felt they were not necessary or very helpful.
Like a few others mentioned in their reviews, the activities didn't seem to match the target age group of the text. The text seemed to be aimed for middle school age, but the activities were mostly at the elementary level. I felt they were not necessary or very helpful.
November 16, 2015
I received this book through goodreads giveaway. I gave this book to my 9 year old son and he got to reading right away. He came back several times for help understanding some parts of the book, might be better for kids outside of elementary. the book is packed with information with plenty of pictures.
September 7, 2018
I'm all about giving kids access to LGBT history and wish I could recommend this book. But I can't. Why not? There are, according to the index, two mentions of transgender people in the entire book, and Sylvia Rivera's (a prominent trans activist) name is in quotations, as if it's a nickname or a one-off. Sigh.
Note: Perused this in a shop, did not purchase.
Note: Perused this in a shop, did not purchase.
October 10, 2019
I do think the book does cover pretty much all the highlights of LGBT history and is pretty comprehensive. However, the intended age for the text and for the activities don’t match up. What’s up with the title saying just Gay and Lesbian? And also this is a U.S. history with some European stuff pre-Stonewall. Fine to do a U.S. history, just include in title or subtitle.
June 29, 2018
The school librarian gave me this book to use in my counseling office. I can’t think of a better Pride month activity than learning about LGBT history.
Many of the book’s activities focus on connections to civics, such as understanding how bills can pass through Congress or state propositions.
A great resource!
Many of the book’s activities focus on connections to civics, such as understanding how bills can pass through Congress or state propositions.
A great resource!
April 24, 2019
I read this book because it was the only book on this topic in the library. Despite its title Gay & Lesbian History for Kids it does a good job including information about trans-people and I thought the activities would be relatable to younger kids. It does unfortunately exclude bisexuals (of which I am), but I did enjoy reading it.
December 30, 2015
This book has a lot of good information, but also slightly problematic. There is a lot of hypothesizing in the beginning, and the activities, although some do hold useful information, are rather far out there.
February 20, 2016
Great book full of facts and "LGBT Heroes" which have a blurb about an individual who made a difference. I learned a lot from this info packed book, and I am older than the targeted audience. A good informative book for anyone!
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January 11, 2016323.3264 P748 2016
December 11, 2015
Great information but most of the activities are lame. Good black-and-white photographs but the layout and design is not especially appealing.
July 29, 2018
I learned so much!
September 22, 2021
I loved this book! Compared to the last book that I read about the LGBT History for MASL Diversity Task Force, this book felt less dense to read. This book also included activities throughout the book that I felt were thought-provoking. Some of those activities included reading a Banned Book and a boycott activity that includes the reader discussing or evaluating things that they possibly have boycotted. Some of the chapter were reviews from the last book, but I learned new information that I ended up doing independent research on. I was unaware of how close-minded many politicians in Government truly are. That would include President Reagan, President H.W. Bush, President Clinton, President George Bush and even President Obama. The majority of members in Government in my opinion had a disdain for LGBT Americans and that truly showed on how LGBT Americans were treated when fighting for WW2 and then dishonorably charged and denied benefits of the GI Bill, the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy that turned into law and overall kicked out over 14,000 soldiers in a 18 year period, Democratic nominees favoring civil unions over gay marriage, etc. Harvey Milk's story is absolutely frustrating and to think that his killer Dan White only served 5 years (originally 7) for murdering two people, including Milk and had support from the Police Department really speaks volumes on how the Police Departments viewed the LGBT community. President Reagan's handle on the AIDS epidemic was deplorable and to think that he was a likable President, when his own friend Rock Hudson died from AIDS and still refused to talk or acknowledge the epidemic publicly is disgusting. I did more research on Anita Bryant (which I found out that she tried to revive her career by showcasing shows in Branson, MO - not surprised). I learned more about Brandon Teena and Matthew Shepard and the death of James Byrd Jr. (which I vaguely remember as a young child because my mother discussed this incident with both myself and my brother, who was 14 at the time). I could go on and on about this book, but I would be writing my review for the entire day. I highly recommend this book be placed in both a middle school or high school library - despite the title stating that it is "FOR KIDS", which at first made me think this was for primary/elementary students, but this would be a great book for middle school or high school students. This book made me realize that I when I am diversifying my library collection, to make sure that I include the voices of the LGBT community, especially the Trans people in the community, because too often they are viewed as 2nd class citizens by their own peers that share the LGBT acronym. Overall, great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2021
This book gave solid information, but I struggled with the dichotomy of levels. The activities and the words "For Kids" in the title made is seem as if it was written for upper elementary/middle grades, but the written text seemed more complex--on level for middle grade and high school. I think the cover will make it less appealing for high school students, but the content may be a little bit too dry for middle school.
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