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. |