Thinking Queerly: Medievalism, Wizardry, and Neurodiversity in Young Adult Texts

by Jes Battis

Why do we love wizards? Where do these magical figures come from? Thinking Queerly traces the wizard from medieval Arthurian literature to contemporary YA adaptations. By exploring the link between Merlin and Harry Potter, or Morgan le Fay and Sabrina, readers will see how the wizard offers spaces of hope and transformation for young readers. In particular, this book examines how wizards think differently, and how this difference can resonate with both LGBTQ and neurodivergent readers, who've been told they don't fit in.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2021

About the author

Jes Battis (they/them) is the author of THE WINTER KNIGHT (April 2023), the OCCULT SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR series, and the PARALLEL PARKS series. Jes writes in the areas of urban fantasy, horror, and mystery/thriller. They also teach literature and creative writing in the Canadian prairies.

Reviews

[Miles Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given that I am a neurodivergent medievalist who works with Arthuriana and who has spent their entire life devouring fantasy novels for that sweet, sweet feeling of recognition, to say that this book resonated with me would be the understatement of the century

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful book's unfolding tendrils falls softly and firmly over the reader as personable and mentally stimulating. The book does live up to the title and then some--texts, television and the like. So I think that it would appeal to everyone with a little bit of everything and the added desire of wanting to know more. Jes Battis's writing makes the reading very enjoyable and engaging without any pretentiousness stuffiness. There is a lot in this book, but it's not overwhelming and each vine comes circling back to hook everything together.

[Eyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of work I want to do one day. I loved how Battis writes about the various topics involved in medievalism and queerness, and so much of it resonated with me, a queer medievalist. Essential study for queer theorists.