Publishers Weekly Review
| Through rhyming couplets, this informative book explores a whole alphabet of LGBTQ concepts and figures, from A ("abundant," "always," "ancestors") to Z ("zero tolerance," "a zillion queer stories"). Though proper nouns don't always clearly align with the abecedarian format, an intersectional range of figures both historical (Josephine Baker, Osh-Tisch, Sylvia Rivera) and contemporary (Blair Imani, Lil Nas X, Michael Sam) populate Kirk's bright, flat illustrations of lively, joyful crowds. Yasmin's lengthy text, meanwhile, explains broad conceits including "love" and "knowledge," as well as delving more specifically into activism, identity, and more. A hopeful tone ("what battles we've won!") doesn't sugarcoat political realities (on the legalization of gay marriage, it urges, "Don't close your eyes--this fight is not done") in a conceptual work that's a good starting place for discussing queer history. A contextualizing glossary concludes. Ages 5--up. (Apr.) |
School Library Journal Review
| Gr 6 Up--A picture book for older elementary students, this volume opens with 57 pages of ABCs focused more on inspirational words than history: A standing for "abundant" and "ally," and Z for "zeal" and "zillions." The artwork is bright and colorful, depicting a multitude of people, historical figures and generic characters. The keywords are in bold type. Historical facts are sprinkled throughout, seemingly at random. For instance, D is for "dance," which includes a brief mention of Josephine Baker, along with an illustration of the dance icon. Eight pages of back matter provide more depth and context on the famous figures mentioned. However, the lack of an index makes it difficult to find the information. Without it, there is no way to know that Baker is under "D," Audre Lorde is under "F," or George Takei is under "O." VERDICT Baffling organization makes it difficult to recommend this book as a reference for queer history, but it works for curious browsers.--Chance Lee Joyner |
Booklist Review
| Yasmin's sprightly alphabet book examines various aspects of queer life and culture, then and now, in singsong rhyming verse. Thus: "Q is for queens of our hearts, of the light / a delightful tradition. Oh, what a sight!" Most letters contain more than one word; under "B is for belonging," readers will also find the words beloved, being, and bold. Many of the verses contain references to contemporary and historic figures: the letter B also refers to Bayard Rustin. A few names are well-known (Sally Ride), but most will be new to young readers. Happily, all of the names referred to are found in the back matter in bite-size biographies. Because of the rhymes, the text lends itself to being read aloud; the only problem is the presence of some forced rhyme. A bonus: the book is generously illustrated in bold color by artist Kirk, whose pictures expand as well as illuminate the text. |
Kirkus Review
| An alphabetical introduction to queer history that honors joy, creativity, and resistance. Written in upbeat, rhyming couplets and featuring bright, full-page illustrations, this work takes readers on a journey, from "A is for abundant, because we are many" to "Z is for zeal, of which you have plenty, / to share all you know about these queer histories." The people covered include activists Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk, actors George Takei and Elliot Page, musicians Bessie Smith and Lil Nas X, and writers James Baldwin and Lorraine Hansberry. Yasmin keeps the text brief, offering just enough information to spark interest; the endnotes offer more information on the people mentioned. The author also explores terms such as two-spirit, x-gender, and genderqueer. Many letters of the alphabet often stand for more than one word and emphasize the feelings, values, and impact of queer history rather than simply providing facts: "O is for the optimists that we must be." "R is for reminisce, rejoice, and renew." Some letters are more robust in content than others, and the text's rhythm is inconsistent, making for an awkward read-aloud. But the playful illustrations capture the celebration of resistance in scenes of community that invite visual exploration. The book's message is a worthy one, detailing queer history and encouraging young readers to become a part of it. Insightful and validating. (terms and figures) (Illustrated nonfiction. 5-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission. |
