All Out discussion

What an awesome read for young teens/adults! Saundra Mitchel wrote a fantastic piece of literature for young readers to explore so many concepts that otherwise wouldn’t be directly taught in the classroom. The novel, “All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages” covers a period in history that was vibrant with so many historical events from all parts of the world that all tied into one specific movement. We often look back at history, regarding our familiarity and relativity to what our culture and trends are like today in America – at least that is my standpoint of personal observations with the world around me. The most compelling part of this book is how Mitchel ingeniously molded together stories among seventeen of the best young adult authors across the queer system who forma diverse message that the book conveys. The book sheds light on an area of history that is not focusing on what was happening in America, but other places that were feeling the same effect of the whole world that was changing tremendously. I’ve read many books that dig deeper into concepts that catch the attention of students to broaden their worldly interest and knowledge. A book like this captures much more than that because it also encourages young readers to explore parts unknown about themselves on a spiritual level as well. We often tiptoe and stumble on concepts like this when presenting it to students, but this book is a great pathway towards opening a safe and comfortable conversation with young adults.