If you’re looking for a quick monthly roundup, check out the best 3 books I read in June!
Here and Queer is a book that healed my inner queer teen who couldn’t figure out why the prospect of watching paint dry was more interesting than going on a date. Not joking. There are horrifically embarrassing journal entries along the lines of “if I was a lesbian I could have a girlfriend…too bad I’m not.”
As soon as I opened this book, I could feel the joy. I’ve been really excited for this book, and love watching Rowan’s videos on YouTube. There’s something about a Brit with blue hair talking about queer stuff that soothes my gay little soul.
Identity is grey, hazy work. How do you sort through feelings, cultural and societal pressures, and the desire to fit in? Rowan and Jacky (whose many talents have created stunning & inclusive illustrations) encourage the reader to embrace queerness in a way that feels good in body and mind.
If you haven’t been following along with the series @bonniemonnier is doing, she’s sharing books that heal her inner child! That’s how I felt when I read Here and Queer, like I was hanging with friends and chatting about queer haircuts (we’ve all had an asymmetrical bob, part of the uniform) and cuties at the coffee shop.
Kindly sent by @quartokids but all opinions are my own!
From the humorous mind of @justinelizabethsayre is everything you need to make deep cut jokes about queer culture and ensure your references remain on point.
Pride month is always an interesting experience. It’s probably the closest to holiday spirit that I can muster, but rainbow capitalism is a gloomy shadow over it all. The great thing about books is that they’re on your shelf all year long.
While whiteness oversaturates the media, queerness does not. In order to further our understanding of history and honor LGBTQIA2S+ ancestors, books like From Gay to Z are crucial. They’re funny, not dry. They further the cultural lore of fabulous queens, badass lesbian bikers, and send love out into the universe to our entire vibrant community.
I write a lot about balance in the context of other historical narratives by marginalized & oppressed peoples, we have to have joy with historically accurate and traumatizing information. Many of my thoughts aren’t exactly positive, but it’s June and you have to listen to me.
This book was kindly sent by @Chroniclebooks but all thoughts & opinions are my own!
This exceedingly precious board book teaches both colors and the history of the Pride flag! Gilbert Baker designed the original flag with specific meanings behind the colors, such as blue for harmony and red for life.
The illustrations from @rileyalwayssmiley I would describe as “pretty stinkin’ cute” and fit perfectly with the uplifting text by Claire Winslow. Perhaps my favorite part is in the back where there is history about the Pride flag evolution. And the die-cut corners are an adorable design touch (I am a slut for die-cuts in general).
Being able to have a COLLECTION of Pride themed board books is something that I don’t take for granted; I am thrilled every time I have the opportunity to check one out. It’s a reminder of the past, bolsters me for the continued fight, and inspires me to leave a legacy of social justice for queer families within my community.
This book was kindly sent by @sunbirdkidsbooks but all thoughts & opinions are my own!