GLBTQ collection review

GLBTQ children’s literature, gay lesbian bisexual transgender queer/questioning children’s literature, is an important genre to include. Some figures estimate that about one in ten American’s are queer, knowing this that means that there are a lot of people who are themselves queer or who may have lesbian or gay friends and family. It is so important that all children feel accepted through books not only for the way they look but also for the things they live and feel. As a set this collection does not even begin to make a dent in the long list of things GLBTQ literature has tried to conquer, most importantly non of the books in this collection have featured transgender characters which I do regret. Also these books give a limited look in the picture books to breaking outside of sometimes stereotypical portrayals and balancing these with more subtle characters, which are still very difficult to find. The two children’s books I chose were first and foremost a set with both gay family members and then proto-gay characters; they also were one representing a relationship between two women and two men. The reason I chose the young adult literature I did was because both are fairly widely available to actually purchase for a classroom or library but they also have a balance between characters of different sexual orientations. This to me meant the book could be relatable for more teens today, both those who are queer and those who are not. I also chose books that showed the teen characters struggling with realistic issues because most teens do have something they struggle with in their own way, a book that shows them they are not alone might reach out to them to help them through the tough times. Through all of the books I hope to show that queer literature does not only need to appeal to a queer audience, but it appeals to all audiences. I hope that more and more places will become open to the inclusion and teaching of such collections in schools across the country.