Martin, Hillias J. and Murdock, James R. Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2007. 267 p. ISBN: 978-1555705664. Hardcover. $55.00.
Opening the pages of this book is like slipping on rainbow-tinted goggles and returning to library school. Murdock and Martin offer suggestions for providing materials and services for LGBTQ, or as the book calls them, “Queer” teens.
This book is divided into two parts. Part one contains information about queer teens’ interactions with the library and librarians. The first reviews research about queer patrons and their information and reading needs. The second, delves into reference services to learn about conducting reference interviews with closeted and non-closeted queers as well as teens who are interested in learning about their queer friends and family members. Then, the focus is on the integration of LGBTQ materials into a balanced collection and building a defense against challenges. Finally, there is a section on incorporating LGBTQ themes into any library’s programming and services including libraries in conservative and liberal communities and schools.
Part two offers specific examples of materials and programs. The first section is an annotated bibliography of 50 materials including fiction, nonfiction, periodicals, movies and music followed by additional suggestions of good materials for different collections and user needs. The list is primarily fiction titles and could have been enhanced with titles of materials for use in student projects such as information on gay issues. The final chapters include sample book talks and a continuum of 18 LGBTQ-themed programs ready for librarians to include in their services to young adults.
This is a great resource for any librarian working with a young adult population. Although it primarily targets public library services, there is enough information provided for school librarians as well, and would be a great resource for grad students in a Library and Information Studies program.
Reviewed by Sharon Flesher
Library Media Specialist
Nashua South High School [NH]
Hello,
I wanted to let you know about a young adult novel called If You Believe in Mermaids… Don’t Tell. Please take a look at the press release below for more details about the book. Feel free to be in touch.
Best,
Alyssa Geisler
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2008
Contact:
Cathy Renna, Renna Communications, 917-757-6123, cathy@rennacommunications.com
Simon Aronoff, Renna Communications, 202-510-6705, simon@rennacommunications.com
An Unconventional Hero Proves there are Many Ways to be a Boy
Groundbreaking Coming-of-Age Novel for Young Adults Tells the Story of a
Gender Non-Conforming Boy and His Family’s Struggle to Accept Him
“A welcome and courageous book that speaks out for young people to be true to who they are.”
— Alex Sanchez, author of Rainbow Boys, Rainbow Road, So Hard to Say, and The God Box
Silver Spring, MD — A.A. Philips has recently released a unique work of young adult fiction, written for pre-teen and teen readers. If You Believe in Mermaids…Don’t Tell is a novel that explores an underrepresented yet timely story of a gender variant teen named Todd Winslow and his family’s struggle to understand and accept their unique son. With the brutal school shooting of gender variant 14-year-old Lawrence King in Oxnard, CA, earlier this year, Philips’ book provides a powerful tool in supporting teens who blur gender lines. Studies show that gender-atypical behavior and perceived sexual orientation are among the leading factors in school bullying.
“I wanted to write a book that would support teens who blur gender norms—to let them and their families know that they are not alone,” said Philips. “Teens who read this story will identify with the victories and pitfalls faced by Todd as he navigates a world that pressures boys to act macho regardless of how they may feel inside. Parents and school counselors will also benefit from getting an inside glimpse of what life is like for boys like Todd.”
As a therapist and a parent of a “gentle” boy, Philips writes with insight and sensitivity about what it’s like to be a kid who thinks and feels different from what’s “normal.” Fully developed and highly likable, thirteen-year-old Todd Winslow is a welcome hero for any young reader whose behavior or interests sets them apart from their peers, especially boys whose interests are traditionally associated with girls. His character also helps parents and other significant adults grow in understanding and acceptance of children whose behavior clashes with gender expectations. The first three chapters are available for preview on the novel’s website, http://www.believeinmermaids.net.
SYNOPSIS:
Todd Winslow knows how to fit in, even though he hates pretending to be someone he’s not. At summer camp he hangs out with flirty Sylvie and shuns nature-nerd Olivia. But he’d like to swim away to his mermaid fantasy world. It’s a secret refuge no one else can know about – not Dad and especially not Brad, the camp’s bad boy. Even though he’s not the soccer jock his Dad had hoped for, Todd is a great diver. If only diving could save him. Because along comes the doll thing. And Dad finds out. This story of how Todd gets through his worst nightmare and finds the courage to be himself in the real world is a tale to inspire readers of all ages.
About the Author
A.A. Philips earned masters’ degrees from Harvard University and the University of Southern Maine. A former therapist, she counseled individuals, couples, and families for more than 15 years. She was a founding member of the country’s first support group for parents of children whose interests consistently transcend gender norms. Philips lives and writes in Maryland.
Preview the novel online and find other resources at http://www.believeinmermaids.net.
If You Believe in Mermaids. . . Don’t Tell by A.A. Philips
Dog Ear Publishing. ISBN: 978-159858-359-5.
Ages 11 & up. $12.95 paper.
Available online at amazon.com and other online bookstores.
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According to the investigation from the site *BiLoves dotcom* (a site for LGBT comning out, explore sexuality, etc.), The Netherlands, South Africa, United Kingdom, Canada, Spain are the gayest countries. Not sure if true.I just know that site is very professional and there are about 150 members per day and they are very active. You can imagine.If you come here frequently, you may find what you are looking easily and quickly.
[…] still inconsistent and problematic, YA fiction is increasingly diverse. According to the book Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens, five to six percent of American teens identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and eighty percent of […]