This Book is Gay, by James Dawson (now Juno Dawson)

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: This Book is Gay

Author: James Dawson (now Juno Dawson).

ISBN:  978-1492617839

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Copyright: 2015

Reader’s Annotation:

As close to a handbook for being LGBT that a teen can get their hands on.

Summary:

What does it mean, exactly, to be LGBTQIA?  This book lays out the specifics behind the most common labels used to describe non-heteronormative sexual and gender identities.  There is a detailed discussion of the biology behind these labels, the coming out process, and the risks LGBTQIA individuals face.  There is a section detailing various types of sexual activities, and giving advice on dating in the LGBTQIA world.  There is also a specific section on how to deal with parents and caregivers, as well as a list of helpful resources.

Critical Evaluation:

One of the greatest strengths of this book is the tone with which it is written.  Dawson does a great job writing with some tongue in cheek humor, using language that is casual as opposed to clinical.  For example, she often uses the word willies as opposed to penises.  This makes the book seem more casual, and much more accessible to teen readers.  There are clinical words used when the gravity of the topic calls for it, however, such as the discussion of various sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

The book covers information in an incredibly frank way, with no sugar coating.  In a section of various sexual activities, the mechanics of LGBTQIA sex is spelled out in detail.  However, this information is not done in an attempt to be prurient.  The book points out that, from a young age, we are taught the mechanics of heterosexuality, but no one teaches LGBTQIA sexual activities.  There are few resources for this information.  Yes, teens can always seek out the internet, but that information may not be reliable or accurate; it is much better to have the information presented factually, which is what this book does.

Dawson successfully creates an honest, and at times humorous, resource for teens who have questions about sexual preference or gender identity.  The only drawback in the writing is a use of British slang, which may not be as accessible for American teens.

Author Biography:

(from author’s website)

*note- since the publication of this book, the author has come out as transgender, and has changed her name to reflect her preferred gender.  She is now known as Juno Dawson

Queen of Teen 2014 Juno Dawson is the multi award-winning author of six novels for young adults. In 2016, she authored the best-selling World Book Day title: SPOT THE DIFFERENCE.

Her next novel is the beautiful and emotive MARGOT & ME (Jan 2017) which will be followed by her adult debut, the memoir THE GENDER GAMES (Jul 17).
Juno also wrote the bestselling non-fiction guide to life for young LGBT people, THIS BOOK IS GAY. In 2016 a follow-up, MIND YOUR HEAD, featured everything a young person needs to know about mental health.

Juno is a regular contributor to Attitude Magazine, Glamour Magazine and The Guardian and has contributed to news items on BBC Women’s Hour, Front Row, ITV News, Channel 5 News, This Morning and Newsnight concerning sexuality, identity, literature and education.
Juno’s titles have received rave reviews and have been translated into more than ten languages around the world.

Juno grew up in West Yorkshire, writing imaginary episodes of Doctor Who. She later turned her talent to journalism, interviewing luminaries such as Steps and Atomic Kitten before writing a weekly serial in a Brighton newspaper. In 2015, Juno announced her intention to undergo gender transition and live as a woman.

Juno writes full time and lives in Brighton. In her spare time, she STILL loves Doctor Who and is a keen follower of horror films and connoisseur of pop music. In 2014 Juno became a School Role Model for the charity STONEWALL.

Genre(s): 
Non-Fiction, LGBTQIA

Curriculum Ties:

Pennsylvania State Standard - CC.1.2.11-12.L

Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Booktalk Ideas:

A discussion about the difference between sexual preference and gender identity.

A discussion about LGBTQIA resources for teens, both at the local level and the national level

          

Reading Level:

Lexile 1070

Interest Age: 

14 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based on adult language, and frank discussion of sexuality.

  If this book were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the book received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this book selected:

There is a real lack of good LGBTQIA non-fiction titles out there.  This is one of the better, newer titles.  I was really impressed with the very honest handling of information in the book, including risks that LGBTQIA individuals face, particularly teens.  Sexuality is difficult for many teens to discuss or ask questions about, and this book covers the mechanics of sexual activity for LGBTQIA folks.  As the book points out, we are taught the facts about heterosexual activity from a young age, this is a way to help LGBTQIA teens learn what sex, as well as sexual preference and gender identity, might look like for them.

TransGeneration Documentary Series, produced by Sundance Channel

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: TransGeneration

Producer: Sundance Channel

ASIN: B000CRR3I8

Studio: Docurama

Copyright: 2006

Reader’s Annotation:

How do teens deal with issues of gender identity in addition to regular pressures of college?

Plot Summary:

Four transgender college students, TJ, Raci, Lucas, and Gabbie, discuss their respective gender identities, how they came to realize they are transgender.  TJ and Lucas are female to male, while Raci and Gabbi are male to female.  Each student explains how their particular college experience is unique.  They explore complex issues from hormones to gender reassignment surgery, as well as how their families are dealing with their transitions.

Critical Evaluation:

Shot in traditional documentary style, this series captures real world moments, as well as individual "confessional" style moments with each cast member.  We see each of the 4 cast members in their school environments as well as they home or family environments, and the series shows aspects of each individual person's journey.  For example, we see Gabbie moving towards her gender reassignment surgery, her journey through the surgery, and her recovery.  We see how this impacts her both at school and within her family.

The documentary series focuses on how all aspects of each cast member's life come together to tell their story, not just limiting the story to gender identity.  For example, Raci is not only trans, she is hearing impaired, Filipina, and poor.  The intersection of all of these qualities is explored when telling Raci's story, and how her gender identity impacts or is impacted by all these other things.  For example, her poverty status was preventing her from getting hormones from the doctor, so she was buying them on the street, which can be very dangerous.

One of the weaker aspects of the writing involved the character development.  The only character I felt at all connected to was Cassie, which makes sense, since she is the focus of the book.  I felt that Sammy could have been better developed, as he is the force that really drives all of Cassie’s actions.  Some of the secondary characters were somewhat bland, particularly the soldiers. With their code names, I frequently got some of those characters mixed up.

The production values on the series are good.  The series is shot in a way that looks good; there is obviously quality editing done, and professional looking title sequences.  The sound aspect of the show is also of a high quality, both in terms of the sound recording and the accompanying music.

Author Biography:

Not applicable

Genre(s): 
Series, Documentary, LGBTQIA

Curriculum Ties:

Not applicable

Booktalk Ideas:

A discussion on gender identity as a spectrum.

A discussion about normal teen stressors can be impacted for teens who are trans, queer, or non-binary

          

Reading Level:

Not applicable

Interest Age: 

14 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based on adult language, teen sexuality, and frank discussion of transgender topics.

  If this series were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the book received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this series selected:

Even though this series is over a decade old, I think it still can add value to a library collection.  As trans rights move more and more to the forefront, positive depictions of trans people in media is vital.  This series is a very frank, honest discussion of what these 4 college students experience in terms of gender identity and its impact on all aspects of their lives.  There are not a lot of ways for teens to access such honest stories, and I think this could help empower so many trans teens.  It is important that our collections have a variety of materials, so movies, series, and shows certainly have a place in a young adult collection.  This documentary series does not sugar coat anything, and it also examines intersectionality in terms of race, socioeconomic status, disability, and gender identity.