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The following are recommended reading from Iowa Safe Schools. If you have a book you think should be added to this list, please contact Nate Monson at
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Always My Child by Kevin Jennings
This book was written for parents of GLBTQ youth. It includes real-life stories, scientific research and advice. Jennings stresses the importance of family acceptance and the need to create a safe haven at home for GLBTQ youth. 2002/2003.
The Misfits by James Howe
This book tells the story of four best friends trying to survive the seventh grade in the face of all too frequent taunts based on their weight, height, intelligence, and sexual orientation/gender expression. Motivated by the inequities they see around them, the "Gang of Five" (as they are known) creates a new political party during student council elections and run on a platform aimed at wiping out name-calling of all kinds. Though they lose the election, they win the support of the school's principal for their cause and their idea for a “No Name-Calling Day” at school. 2001.
All Families are Different by Sol Gordon, Ph.D.
This book was written for young people who are curious about what it means to be part of a family. Gordon affirms a variety of family structures, exploring issues such as adoption, multiracial families, foster homes, and same sex headed families. The text places importance on children knowing they are loved by their family members—whomever they may be, while the illustrations show a variety of family situations to stimulate awareness and acceptance. Ages 7 & up, 2000, 64 pp.
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
Originally published in 1989, Newman created this simple story of a little girl and her two mothers because children's books that reflected nontraditional families did not exist. A firestorm of controversy surrounded the original publication, which was attacked by the religious right and stolen from library shelves. Despite the controversy, Heather has sold over 35,000 copies, and has launched a minor industry in providing books for the children of gay and lesbian parents. Make this 10th anniversary edition a part of your collection! Ages 5 & up, 1999, 32 pp.
Lucy Goes to the Country by Joseph Kennedy and John Canemaker
Lucy is a rambunctious cat who lives in a New York apartment, which she shares with her two "Big Guys.” The authors paint a loving portrait of their favorite feline's adventures as she, in her dreaded red bag, goes to the country for the weekend. Lucy provides a wonderful cat's-eye view of life with her family and their adventures. The story provides valuable lessons about different kinds of families, as well as meeting new friends. Ages 2 & up. 1998, 32 pp.
Who’s in a Family? by Robert Skutch
This equal opportunity, open-minded picture book has no preconceptions about what makes a family a family. It addresses the many different kinds of families in which people live, including gay and lesbian, single parent and multi-racial families. There's even equal time given to some of children's favorite animal families. Pencil and watercolor illustrations. Ages 3 & up, 1995, 29pp.
Am I Blue? Coming Out From the Silence ed. by Marion Dane Bauer
16 original short stories, each by a noted author. An honest portrayal of growing up gay or lesbian or having gay or lesbian parents. Ages 12 and up. 1994, 273 pp.
Becoming Visible: A Reader in Gay and Lesbian History for High School & College Students ed. by Kevin Jennings
A comprehensive overview of LGBT history designed to supplement U.S. and other history curricula. Includes questions. Grade 9-College. 1994, 296 pp.
Free Your Mind by Ellen Bass and Kate Kaufman
The definitive guide for LGBT youth and their families, teachers, counselors and friends. Alive with the voices of young people, rich in accurate information and practical advice. 1996, 417 pp.
From The Notebooks of Melanin Sun by Jacqueline Woodson13-year-old Melanin Sun has to decide what to do when his mother announces she is gay. Winner of the 1996 Coretta Scott King Honor Book Award, James Addams Peace Award, and ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Ages 12 and up. 1995, 141 pp.
Growing Up Gay/Growing up Lesbian:A Literary Anthology ed. by Bennett Singer
Included are more than 50 coming-of-age stories from such authors as James Baldwin and Audre Lorde, geared specifically to and LGB youth. 1994, 317 pp.
The House You Pass on the Way by Jacqueline Woodson
Fourteen-year-old Staggerlee relives the past summer when her cousin came to visit and when her growing feelings for her cousin confirmed her own suspicions that she might be gay. Resisting the less subtle exploration of girl meets girl and falls in love and lives happily ever after, Woodson crafts a more complex examination of gayness in the emerging adolescent in this reflective, lyrical story. Young Adult, 1999, 112 pp.
In Your Face—Stories From the Lives of Queer Youth by Mary L. Gray
In Your Face is a timely collection of first-person accounts of the lives of sexual minority youth. In collaboration with youth, Gray designed a series of questions and arranged for her subjects to interview each other on tape, hoping the answers would be more open and interesting than those she could elicit as an adult. The resulting book contains its share of the inevitable horror stories of growing up queer in America, but it is also refreshingly candid and spirited. Young Adult, 1999, 184 pp.
Queer 13: Lesbian and Gay Writers Recall Seventh Grade Ed. By Clifford Chase
An original collection of essays that take us back to the homerooms and hallways of our youth, and capture adolescence, from kissing parties and obsessive crushes, to afterschool pummelings-- all that we had was the doldrums of thirteen-not so sweet, and definitely queer. Softcover 1998, 266 pp.
What If Someone I Know Is Gay? Answers to Questions About Gay and Lesbian People by Eric Marcus
In his new book, bestselling author Eric Marcus offers no-nonsense answers for kids who have questions about gay people, whether those questions concern a friend, a beloved aunt or uncle, or themselves. The book covers a full range of questions including: "Does a person just decide to become gay?" and "Does God love gay people?" Marcus also explores the whole new world opened up for gay teenagers through advent of the Internet. Young Adult, Oct., 2000, 128 pp.
The Year They Burned the Books by Nancy GardenWhen Jamie writes an editorial for her high school paper in favor of condom distribution and open discussion of homosexuality, she becomes embroiled in a community-wide controversy. Matters are complicated by Jamie's growing awareness that she is a lesbian. Things turn ugly when a local conservative group resorts to burning books. Garden's novel Annie on My Mind (1982) was burned several years ago, and this book is dedicated to the students and others who subsequently sued to save it from being banned. YA, 1999, 247 pp.
Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out ed. by Loraine Hutchings and Lani Kaahumanu
Bi Any Other Name is a comprehensive anthology of over 75 testimonials and perspectives exploring the politics, spirituality and all other facets of bisexuality. The authors clarify myths around bisexuality and help to secure a rightful place for the bisexual community within the larger movement for social change. 1991, 380 pp.
Classrooms and Courtrooms by Nan Stein
In her newest work, Stein brings together the current state of knowledge about sexual harassment in K-12 schools, summarizing legal cases as well as the findings of major surveys. More important, she presents the words of youth themselves. Students describe their personal experiences and tell us how much sexual harassment hurts, how and when it occurs, and what happens when students turn to school authorities for help. 1999, 152 pp.
Completely Queer: The Gay and Lesbian Encyclopedia by Steve Hogan and Lee Hudson
Completely Queer is a concise and balanced guide to the history, people, places, and ideas important to the LGBT community worldwide. It focuses mainly on the multifaceted international subculture self-identified lesbians and gay men have cultivated and refined in the second half of the 20thcentury. It features fascinating quotes, little known facts, reading lists and over 250 photos and illustrations. 1998, 704 pp.
Dangerous Liaisons: Blacks, Gays, and the Struggle for Equality by Eric Brandt
Many gays and lesbians have suffered from oppression in the United States; so have many African Americans. But their mutual suffering has not necessarily led to sympathy and collaboration. In this groundbreaking collection of essays on the intersection of race and sexuality, leading minds from both communities write from the premise that this division is counterproductive in combating both racism and homophobia. Contributors include Henry Louis Gates Jr., Audre Lorde, Cornel West, and Samuel Delany. 1999, 312 pp.
Friends and Family: True Stories of Gay America’s Straight Allies by Dan Woog
All across America straight men, women, and children are braving community disapproval, job loss and ministerial defrocking to join in the battle for gay and lesbian equality. Woog has crafted a collection of true stories of parents and friends of lesbians and gay men who are doing remarkable things within and for the gay rights movement. Accounts include a 14-year-old boy who battled the Boy Scouts, a 12-year-old girl who lobbied her state legislature, and members of Jewish, Mormon and Baptist congregations who all took stands against their religious communities. 1999, 324 pp.
Gay Parents, Straight Schools: Building Communication and Trust by Virginia Casper and Steven B. Schultz
This book openly addresses the specific educational realities and needs of lesbian and gay headed families. Based on research that includes perspectives from all those involved, Gay Parents, Straight Schools delves into such issues as communication between lesbian and gay parents and school staff, homophobia at home and at school, inclusive curriculum planning, and understandings about gender role. It also features direct quotes from children, teachers, administrators and parents. 1999, 213 pp.
Gender in Early Childhood ed. by Nicola Yelland
This book explores the ways in which young children perceive themselves and are viewed by others in terms of their gender identities as individuals and as members of society. It considers research from a variety of perspectives in the context of home/family and school. Topics include the construction of gender from conception onward, the politics of category membership, the influence of popular culture on body image, gender equity policies in early childhood education, and understanding sexual orientation. 1998, 270 pp.
Jocks: True Stories of America’s Gay Male Athletes by Dan Woog
Find out what happens when the final closet door--that of men in sports--finally swings open. Is there life for gay athletes after coming out to their teammates? Journalist Dan Woog, himself an openly gay soccer coach, interviewed dozens of gay jocks and offers over 25 inspiring stories of men who are truly today's champions. 1998, 265 pp.
Lesbian and Gay Voices: An Annotated Bibliography and Guide to Literature for Children and Young Adults by Frances Ann Day
Throughout the last decade there has been an explosion of lesbian and gay themed literature. Lesbian and Gay Voices skillfully presents educators, administrators and librarians with a comprehensive collection of the top literary works in this area for youth of all ages. Through thoughtful annotations, evaluation guidelines, and author profiles, Day guides her reader through the world of lesbian and gay literature with insight and organization. 2000, 268 pp.
Lesbian and Gay Youth: Care and Counseling by Caitlin Ryan, MSW and Donna Futterman, MD
This is the first handbook on the care, counseling, and support needs of lesbian and gay youth for providers, advocates, parents and interested readers. Includes guidelines for assessment, treatment, prevention, and referral along with the latest research, knowledge, and practice wisdom on lesbian and gay youth by leading experts on lesbian and gay health, mental health, HIV/AIDS, and adolescence. 1998, 170 pp.
Losing Matt Shepard: Life and Politics in the Aftermath of Anti-Gay Murder By Beth Loffreda
This book explores why the murder of Matthew Shepard still haunts us. Beth Loffreda—the straight faculty advisor to the University of Wyoming’s LGBT Association—draws upon her own observations as well as dozens of interviews that convey how the politics of sexuality has unfolded in a forgotten corner of the country. She presents a full range of characters, including the locals, the national activists, the homicide investigators, and of course Shepard himself. Her book not only recounts the typical responses to Matt´s death, but also the surprising stories of ordinary people whose lives were transformed. 2000, 189pp.
Love Makes A Family: Portraits of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People and their Families Photographs by Gigi Kaeser; Edited by Peggy Gillespie
This handsome volume combines interviews and photographs to document the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender parents and their children. It allows all of the family members to speak candidly about their lives, their relationships, and the ways in which they have dealt with homophobia. 1999, 60pp.
Multicultural Voices in Contemporary Literature: A Resource for Teachers by Frances Ann Day
An essential tool for building curricula for all ages. Frances Ann Day presents ideas for bringing students and authors together in a way that promotes stimulating reading, imaginative writing, and cultural sensitivity. This resource contains biographical notes, themes, summaries, and lesson plans from thirty-nine authors and illustrators from twenty different cultures. 1994, 244 pp.
One More River to Cross: Black and Gay in America by Keith Boykin
What does it mean to be black and gay in America? By drawing together interviews with Baptist ministers, gay political leaders, and other blacks and gays on issues of faith, family and discrimination, Boykin examines this question. The real people behind the stereotypes are revealed, affirming unity through diversity. 1996, 273 pp.
One Teacher in Ten: Gay and Lesbian Educators Tell Their Stories ed. by Kevin Jennings
This collection is devoted to the experiences of lesbian and gay teachers and the innumerable pressures on them to remain closeted. Homophobic parents, the cruelty of kids, unsupportive administrators, concern about exacerbating cultural differences between oneself and one's students are just a few of the trials described by the 37 teachers who contribute their stories to this book. 1994.
Overcoming Heterosexism and Homophobia ed. by James Sears and Walter Williams
More than 30 original essays provide timely and practical ideas, strategies, and workshop outlines for affirming diversity and overcoming heterosexism. Includes contributions from leading scholars, teachers and activists who have been working to reduce heterosexism in classrooms and workshops, in professional training programs and in the workplace, in grassroots community organizations, in social and religious institutions, and in the mass media. The essays stress ways to change attitudes and institutionalized discrimination in the general population. 1997, 456 pp.
Queer Kids—The Challenges and Promise for LGB Youth by Robert E. Owens Jr.
Full of narratives, scholarly research, and problem-solving scenarios, Queer Kids examines the unique problems homosexual youth encounter and how they cope, survive, and find understanding amidst homophobic intolerance. This book will help gay and straight adults understand what life is like for a young gay person, as well as aid counselors, students, teachers, and other gay youth in need of advice and guidance. 1998, 355 pp.
Queering Elementary Education: Advancing the Dialogue about Sexualities andSchooling ed. by William J. Letts and James T. Sears
This collection of 22 essays from a wide variety of educators and scholars explores the ways in which children’s lives are hurt by homophobia and the strategies educators can use to turn this problem around. “Queering education happens when we look at schooling upside-down and view childhood from the inside-out. Teaching queerly demands we explore taken-for-granted assumptions about diversity, identities, childhood, prejudice, schooling and conflict, and develop curriculum and pedagogy that afford every child dignity rooted in self-worth and esteem for others”—James T. Sears. 1999, 304 pp.
School’s Out: The impact of Gay and Lesbian Issues on America’s Schools by Dan Woog
Whether America wants to admit it or not, its schools are filled with gay and lesbian students, teachers, principals, coaches, and counselors. And each day they face enormous challenges. The author conducted over 300 interviews with gay and straight educators, students, and parents across the country. What he discovered was a veritable kaleidoscope of experiences. By putting a human face on the reality of homosexuality in America’s schools, School’s Out sheds new light on pressures, prejudice, and breakthroughs LGBT people deal with in a new era of education. 1995, 383 pp.
Social Work With Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals by Katherine Van Wormer, Joel Wells & Mary Boes
Brings together essential knowledge for social practice with LGB people, and incorporates this knowledge under an ecosystem-interactionist framework. Early chapters concern the social and cultural context of the LGB experience, and review social scientific research pertaining to variations in sexual behavior, family forms, and civil rights issues. Later chapters provide case material demonstrating strategies for intervention. The strengths approach provides a skills framework that relates to direct practice with all vulnerable people. The book incorporates diverse racial, as well as sexual, perspectives. 2000, 184 pp.
Telling Tales Out of School ed. by Kevin Jennings
In this collection of over 30 essays, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals look back at theirschool days—some with wry humor, others with acknowledged pain. Most find that theyare still trying to unlearn a basic lesson imparted by the educational system to homosexuals: Hate yourself. The personal memoirs collected here are sharp and varied, detailing everything from valiant struggles during the pre-Stonewall days to the isolation of sissies and tomboys, the violence and harassment that became numbingly common on playgrounds, and the love stories that made young students hopeful that there was a better life waiting for them outside of school. 1998, 284 pp.
To Believe in Women: What Lesbians Have Done for America by Lillian Faderman
A reappraisal of women who are known by history but whose histories are incomplete,To Believe in Women examines how their lesbianism may in fact have facilitated their accomplishments. Lillian Faderman persuasively argues that even before a "lesbian identity" was defined, many female leaders had what would now be called lesbian relationships, free from the constraints of traditional heterosexual arrangements, which might have impeded their pursuits in education, politics, professional life, and culture. 1999, 434pp.
Trans Liberation: Beyond Pink or Blue by Leslie Feinberg
This collection of Feinberg’s speeches, presented with a few essays by other transgender writers, explores hir (this transgender author's pronoun of choice) ideas about the complexities of gender expression and hir vision for a future "beyond pink or blue." Most compelling are Feinberg’s arguments on the importance of a broad-based multi-issue coalition among LGBT people, an alliance that could easily extend to other progressive groups. 1999, 160 pp.
Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman by Leslie Feinberg
In this personal journey through history, Leslie Feinberg uncovers persuasive evidence that there have always been people who crossed the cultural boundaries of gender. Illustrated with many previously unpublished historical images and contemporary photos, this is an eye-opening jaunt through the history of gender expression. 1996, 218 pp.
Two Spirit People: American Indian Lesbian Women and Gay Men ed. by Lester B. Brown, PhD.
The first-ever look at social science research exploration into the lives of American Indian lesbian women and gay men. Editor Lester B. Brown posits six gender styles in traditional American Indian culture: men and women, not-men and not-women (persons of one biological sex assuming the identity of the opposite sex in some form), and gays and lesbians. He brings together chapters that provide readers with a beginning understanding of the place of lesbian, gay and bisexuals within American Indian culture and within American society as well as the special challenges and multiple prejudices they face. 1997, 116 pp.
Understanding Homosexuality, Changing Schools by Arthur Lipkin
Bringing together 13 topics related to homosexuality and education, Understanding Homosexuality makes the LGBT experience part of a democratic multicultural vision. The book is intended to help teachers, administrators, counselors, and policy-makers understand thesignificance of gay and lesbian issues in education; to aid communication between gay/lesbian students and their families and schools; to facilitate the integration of gay and lesbian families into the school community; and to promote the inclusion of gay and lesbian curricula in a range of disciplines. 2001, 367pp.
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