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ONE TEACHER IN 10

Name: ONE TEACHER IN 10
Author: Kevin Jennings
ISBN: 1-55583-263-6

GAY AND LESBIAN EDUCATORS TELL THEIR STORIES

edited by Kevin Jennings ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1994

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A book devoted to the experiences of lesbian and gay teachers and the innumerable pressures on them to remain closeted. Homophobic parents, the cruelty of kids, unsupportive administrators, concern about exacerbating cultural differences between oneself and one's students are just a few of the trials described by the 37 teachers who contribute their stories to this book. Others encountered physical threats from students or community members, or political opposition from the religious right. However, all attest to the importance of coming out to students. Gay, bisexual, and straight students benefit from gay role models; a third of teen suicides occur among gays, lesbians, and bisexuals, and many more heterosexual teens grow up violently homophobic—in part because they don't think they know any gay people. Many of the contributors discuss, too, the psychic toll of lying to, or misleading, colleagues and students about one's sexuality. Edited by Jennings (Becoming Visible, not reviewed), executive director of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN), the book should initiate worthwhile dialogue in schools. However, it is marred by repetition—many of the teachers tell the same story, and in similar language. Furthermore, self- lionizing is all too prevalent: Everyone emphasizes his or her own bravery, dedication, and willingness to stand by their convictions; one teacher even compares himself to Martin Luther King Jr. Common therapeutic vocabulary (phrases like ``personal growth'' or ``sharing'' rather than ``saying'' something) is rampant. The resources at the end of the book, however, are excellent; one appendix gives a legal overview of the rights of nonheterosexual teachers, another lists relevant national and regional organizations. A useful introduction to some of the obstacles gay teachers face, but this subject merits much livelier treatment.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1994

ISBN: 1-55583-263-6

Page Count: 287

Publisher: Alyson

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1994

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.