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Queer, there, and everywhere : 23 people who changed the world
2017
Where is it?
Fiction/Biography Profile
Genre
NonFiction
Sociology
Young adult
Topics
Homosexuality
Historic figures
Minority groups
Social history
Pop culture
Lesbians
Gay youth
Bisexuality
Transgender
Large Cover Image
Trade Reviews
Publishers Weekly Review
First-time author Prager delivers a rich exploration of gender identity and sexuality across time and nation, focusing on 23 queer individuals from different eras and using a broad definition of queerness ("anyone outside society's gender and sexuality norms"). Among those highlighted are Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln ("Abraham and Joshua were 'intimate friends,' an antiquated relationship term... one step above a bromance"), and Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as baseball player Glenn Burke, blues musician Ma Rainey, queer rights pioneer Sylvia Rivera, and actor George Takei. These snapshots-sometimes irreverent in tone, but always respectful of the people and relationships they discuss-offer strong insight into the lives of individuals who broke barriers or simply lived life on their own terms. Ages 13-up. Author's agent: Carrie Howland, Empire Literary. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-Short and straightforward profiles of queer figures throughout history, ranging from ancient and obscure to modern and well known. The people profiled represent a diverse set of ethnicities and gender and sexual identities, living up to the term queer in its full meaning. The historical background provided is very readable but cursory and occasionally inconsistently presented. Some profiles focus on the individuals' queer identity, while others put the emphasis on their historical impact. For example, Joan of Arc's military career is thoroughly explained while her preference for men's clothes is only mentioned. The tone of the book is positive and lighthearted despite the many unhappy endings but at times can come across as glib ("The relationship between queer people and the Catholic church was.um, strained during Father Mike's life, to say the least"). With the exception of a few references to sexual acts, the content is appropriate for a wide range of ages, particularly if the book is used in a guided or teaching context. Each chapter opens with a graphic novel-like line portrait of the subject by O'Ferrall. Overall, the title distinguishes itself from materials that take a traditional approach to history that often ignores or omits mention of sexual or gender identity. VERDICT An enjoyable and accessible, if inconsistent, introduction to an important side of history. Public and school libraries will strongly want to consider, both for re-creation and education.-Amy Diegelman, formerly at Vineyard Haven Public Library, MA © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Queer people have been part of history throughout every era, Prager asserts in the introduction to her collection of 23 brief biographies of queer people that proving her point range from little-known Roman emperor/empress Elagabalus to the contemporary actor and activist George Takei. Vis-à-vis her selection of subjects, it's important to note that her definition of queer means anyone not totally straight or not totally cisgender, hence her inclusion of the gender-bending likes of Queen Christina of Sweden or Joan of Arc. More eyebrow raising is the inclusion of Abraham Lincoln because of his close friendships with Joshua Speed and David Derickson. Her other selections though happily not all are well-known (Juana Inés de la Cruz, anyone?) are more traditional, thus Frida Kahlo, Renée Richards, Bayard Rustin, Alan Turing, and so on. Written in a breezy, highly informal style (Yikes, Frickin historic, yep), the book doesn't take itself too seriously, though it doesn't stint on its honest acknowledgment of oppression, repression, and persecution. A lively and informative introduction to queer history.--Cart, Michael Copyright 2017 Booklist
Kirkus Review
For as long as there's been air, there's been Queer; in acknowledgment, Prager offers 23 short biographies of individuals who changed their world and ours.From the teenage Roman emperor Elagabalus, who identified as female and loved both men and women in the third century C.E., to gay social-media activist, playwright, and actor George Takei, Prager profiles historical (only three are still alive) personages who challenged the heteronormative pressures of their times to differing degrees. A president who had a boyfriend as a young man (Abraham Lincoln) and a president's wife who loved women and created the role of the modern first lady (Eleanor Roosevelt), along with artists, scientists, sports figures, musicians, activists, and queens (both royal and drag), are presented in their historical contexts and carefully referred to as they referred to themselves. From the introductory essay to the glossary, Prager carefully endnotes everything and provides further reading and watching online as well as an extensive bibliography. All is presented in a breezy, conversational tone that will engage teens and make them laugh while they learn whether they're queer themselves or queer allies. Should be placed in the hands of every LGBTQ teen so they'll know that not only are they not alone, but they have a rich and diverse historyas well as the straight ones, who should know that history too. (Nonfiction. 12-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Summary


A New York Public Library Best Book of 2017

A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book for Teens 2017

This first-ever LGBTQ history book of its kind for young adults will appeal to fans of fun, empowering pop-culture books like Rad American Women A-Z and Notorious RBG. Three starred reviews!

World history has been made by countless lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals--and you've never heard of many of them.

Queer author and activist Sarah Prager delves deep into the lives of 23 people who fought, created, and loved on their own terms. From high-profile figures like Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt to the trailblazing gender-ambiguous Queen of Sweden and a bisexual blues singer who didn't make it into your history books, these astonishing true stories uncover a rich queer heritage that encompasses every culture, in every era.

By turns hilarious and inspiring, the beautifully illustrated Queer, There, and Everywhere is for anyone who wants the real story of the queer rights movement.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Table of Contents
Introductionp. 1
Elagabalusp. 19
Jeanne D'Arcp. 27
Kristina Vasap. 35
Juana Inés de la Cruzp. 43
Abraham Lincolnp. 51
Albert Cashierp. 59
Gertrude "Ma" Raineyp. 67
Lili Elbep. 75
Frida Kahlop. 83
Mercedes de Acostap. 93
Eleanor Rooseveltp. 103
Bayard Rustinp. 113
Alan Turingp. 121
Josef Kohoutp. 129
José Sarriap. 139
Del Martin & Phyllis Lyonp. 149
Sylvia Riverap. 159
Renée Richardsp. 169
Harvey Milkp. 177
Glenn Burkep. 187
Mychal Judgep. 195
George Takeip. 205
Looking Back, Moving Forwardp. 213
Glossaryp. 217
Learn Morep. 227
Bibliography & Notesp. 229
Acknowledgmentsp. 257
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