“What Should a Queer Children’s Book Do?” asks Jessica Winter today in the New Yorker. It’s a good question, which she carefully explores through the history of LGBTQ-inclusive children’s books and the ongoing attacks on them. The piece echoes much of what I’ve said about the genre over the years. Here are a few additional thoughts and further readings, if the topic intrigues you.
A new picture book about food fermentation evangelist Sandor Katz is the queer biography I didn’t know I needed—full of flavor, inspiration, and community.
The latest episode of the award-winning Story Pirates podcast features a story about a transgender prince who decides to live as his true self. The story, originally by a 10-year-old girl, was brought to life by an all trans/nonbinary cast. Listen here.
Many of us may hear “America the Beautiful” played this July 4th. But did you know that its author, Katharine Lee Bates, was also a scholar, suffragist, and social activist, and lived for 25 years in a loving relationship with fellow professor Katharine Coman?
Drag queen storytimes are under attack from politicians and white supremacists. Drag queen and children’s book author Lil Miss Hot Mess has been a target, but also a leading voice opposing this onslaught. She thinks kids and drag have a natural rapport.
Abortion is health care, and children should learn about it in age-appropriate ways as they do other health topics. And with abortion rights making headlines right now, children may have questions about it. Here are three queer-inclusive books that may help them understand.
A new picture book from the author of Grandad’s Camper stars a nonbinary child who loves to perform—except that their inner cowardly lion always roars away their confidence. Can a new friend who is also shy help them overcome their fears?
I’m honored to have been named to GO Magazine’s list of “100 Women We Love, Class of 2022.” To those of you visiting for the first time because of seeing me there, welcome!
Never underestimate the power of protest. After public outrage and an imminent investigation by the state Division of Human Rights, a Long Island library board reversed its decision to remove Pride displays from its children’s sections. Displays will now stay up through at least July 15.
A public library board in New York has voted “to remove all Pride Displays, in addition to removing all books of the same subject on display, from all Children’s sections.” The president of the board, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, opposed the action.
