A valuable window into the world of trans young people.
Transgender youth share their experiences through writing and art.
In this collection of poetry, prose, and art, trans young people discuss their lives, families, bodies, mental health, schools, and more. All the contributions stem from the same series of trans youth writing retreats, so readers will see the same names popping up again and again. (Oddly, one adult’s poetry is included in the afterword.) The writers and artists express fears and triumphs, dysphoria and empowerment. Of course, some of the pieces are more effective than others, but many trans young people will see themselves reflected in these pages. It will be most appealing to trans and cis readers under 18, but it may also make a good recommendation for cisgender adults wishing to understand the experiences of trans youth. Editors Herriot and Fry are both cisgender women with the goal of amplifying the voices of trans youth. It seems they allowed the young contributors to choose whether to publish their surnames; some readers may find themselves concerned for the children’s current and future safety and privacy in those instances when they are identified with surnames. The contributors represent a range of gender experiences, and there seems to be some diversity of race and ethnicity as well, based on the appealingly eclectic contributor bios, though there is no art depicting people with dark skin.
A valuable window into the world of trans young people. (resources, glossary) (Nonfiction. 10-18)Pub Date: Aug. 17, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-4598-3137-7
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Orca
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2021
Essential.
A guidebook for taking action against racism.
The clear title and bold, colorful illustrations will immediately draw attention to this book, designed to guide each reader on a personal journey to work to dismantle racism. In the author’s note, Jewell begins with explanations about word choice, including the use of the terms “folx,” because it is gender neutral, and “global majority,” noting that marginalized communities of color are actually the majority in the world. She also chooses to capitalize Black, Brown, and Indigenous as a way of centering these communities’ voices; "white" is not capitalized. Organized in four sections—identity, history, taking action, and working in solidarity—each chapter builds on the lessons of the previous section. Underlined words are defined in the glossary, but Jewell unpacks concepts around race in an accessible way, bringing attention to common misunderstandings. Activities are included at the end of each chapter; they are effective, prompting both self-reflection and action steps from readers. The activities are designed to not be written inside the actual book; instead Jewell invites readers to find a special notebook and favorite pen and use that throughout. Combining the disruption of common fallacies, spotlights on change makers, the author’s personal reflections, and a call to action, this powerful book has something for all young people no matter what stage they are at in terms of awareness or activism.
Essential. (author’s note, further reading, glossary, select bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-18)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7112-4521-1
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
PROFILES
Small but mighty necessary reading.
A miniature manifesto for radical queer acceptance that weaves together the personal and political.
Eli, a cis gay white Jewish man, uses his own identities and experiences to frame and acknowledge his perspective. In the prologue, Eli compares the global Jewish community to the global queer community, noting, “We don’t always get it right, but the importance of showing up for other Jews has been carved into the DNA of what it means to be Jewish. It is my dream that queer people develop the same ideology—what I like to call a Global Queer Conscience.” He details his own isolating experiences as a queer adolescent in an Orthodox Jewish community and reflects on how he and so many others would have benefitted from a robust and supportive queer community. The rest of the book outlines 10 principles based on the belief that an expectation of mutual care and concern across various other dimensions of identity can be integrated into queer community values. Eli’s prose is clear, straightforward, and powerful. While he makes some choices that may be divisive—for example, using the initialism LGBTQIAA+ which includes “ally”—he always makes clear those are his personal choices and that the language is ever evolving.
Small but mighty necessary reading. (resources) (Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 2, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-09368-9
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
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