GLBTQ In Children's Literature Wrap-Up

What makes topics like GLBTQ so difficult sometimes is the fact that it is not obvious when looking at someone if they fall into that category. People are often very afraid to admit they are gay/lesbian because of the backlash of negative attention it can bring. But, the truth of the matter is GLBTQ is all around us, whether people like to admit it or not. Why should we hide from it? Why should we make anyone feel less adequate than someone else for the way they were born? Especially children who were born into a situation they cannot help; children should not have to feel their family is wrong if their parents are gay. It is important to get these books more mainstream so that children do not feel along anymore.

The three books I chose did not accomplish my original intention. Originally, I was going to find books dealing with children whose parents are gay. But, my search in numerous libraries and book stores rendered few quality books. I ended up finding three books that dealt with male gay characters. I am not sure why this is the case that male gay characters are more common than female gay characters. In fact, it surprised me. I am not sure why I have always thought this, but I have felt like society has found it easier to talk about a woman being a lesbian than a man being gay. Perhaps a sign that times are changing? (hopefully)

The Harvey Milk Story by Kari Krakow is one that can inspire. Young children can look to Harvey's story and know that they, too, can succeed and be who they want to be and do what they want to do. They should not let their sexuality or anything else bring them down just because others may not agree. So Hard To Say by Alex Sanchez is about the confusion a young boy goes through while figuring out he is not attracted to girls. Plus, it is unique in the sense it gives the perspective of the boy's best friend who is unaware of what he is going through. Not to mention, it deals with the negative connotatoin that goes with the term 'gay' and addresses how young adults use it as an insult. Lastly, Mini Mia and Her Darling Uncle by Pija Lindenbaum shows the innocence of a four year old wishing to have her uncle all to herself and her anger towards having to share him with his boyfriend. She is not upset that her uncle is gay, in fact, that is not even mentioned, she is just the typical four year old expressing her jealousy. All three of these books were written through different perspectives. The Harvey Milk Story was from the outside looking in; someone talking about Harvey Milk. Mini Mia was written from the perspective of the four year old girl. And So Hard To Say was a mixture of both. This is why I chose all these books to show the different and unique viewpoints.

All three of these books are exceptional in their own right and are quality pieces of literature, not just GLBTQ literature. They should be in every library and book strore so children can have access to them and learn from them.