Queer, There, and Everywhere

Starred review from May 15, 2017
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.

Starred review from March 15, 2017
For as long as there's been air, there's been Queer; in acknowledgment, Prager offers 23 short biographies of individuals who changed their world and ours.From the teenage Roman emperor Elagabalus, who identified as female and loved both men and women in the third century C.E., to gay social-media activist, playwright, and actor George Takei, Prager profiles historical (only three are still alive) personages who challenged the heteronormative pressures of their times to differing degrees. A president who had a boyfriend as a young man (Abraham Lincoln) and a president's wife who loved women and created the role of the modern first lady (Eleanor Roosevelt), along with artists, scientists, sports figures, musicians, activists, and queens (both royal and drag), are presented in their historical contexts and carefully referred to as they referred to themselves. From the introductory essay to the glossary, Prager carefully endnotes everything and provides further reading and watching online as well as an extensive bibliography. All is presented in a breezy, conversational tone that will engage teens and make them laugh while they learn whether they're queer themselves or queer allies. Should be placed in the hands of every LGBTQ teen so they'll know that not only are they not alone, but they have a rich and diverse history--as well as the straight ones, who should know that history too. (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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May 1, 2017

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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.