LGBTQ Families

November 1, 2013

Gr 7 Up-Readers looking to develop a basic understanding of these topics will be well served by these volumes, even though neither author goes into much depth on any specific area. The books consist of a combination of personal stories, statistics and recent studies, and a discussion of the cultural/societal perception and treatment of the topic. LGBTQ Families is written by a straight ally rather than an LGBTQ parent or the child of an LGBTQ parent, which may be a drawback for some readers looking for more of an "insider glimpse." However, excellent sections on becoming a straight ally and LGBTQ activist may not have been as strong without the benefit of that particular point of view. Some of the personal stories in Substance Abuse are extremely detailed, and while this can be a powerful mechanism for teaching about the seriousness of the issue, sensitive readers may find the content hard to accept. As research materials for students, these books provide clearly presented and easily digestible information useful for establishing a solid knowledge base.-Nora G. Murphy, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, LaCanada-Flintridge, CA

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2013
Grades 7-12 Whether through interviews or brief biographies, the comprehensive It Happened to Me series ties each topic directly to teens. LGBTQ Families begins with an overview of each letter of the iconic acronym and progresses into a more thorough look at LGBTQ adolescents, LGBTQ parents, and how trans individuals may affect family dynamics. Other chapters investigate same-sex marriage, other issues (e.g., rights of sperm donors), LGBTQ rights around the world, bullying, how LGBTQ individuals are portrayed in the media, LGBTQ celebrations, and the ongoing debate between the LGBTQ community and various religious, political, and business groups. The author is careful, however, not to demonize all members of these critical affiliations. Each title comprises a good blend of opinion and current research, making the series an excellent resource for both individual and curricular research.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)