Review by Library Journal Review
Best friends Bongiovanni (Out of Hollow Water), a genderqueer artist who identifies as nonbinary, and Jimerson (Creativity magazine; The Egoist), who identifies as a cisgender male, collaborate on this fun graphic novel providing simple, informative explanations of they/them pronouns, including what they are and how to use them. This compact guide packs in a lot of detail. In addition to supplying best practices for allies, situational examples illustrate what it's like to be misgendered and how that feels to someone who identifies as nonbinary. Handy scripts included as back matter offer tips for what to do when you misgender someone, while reference charts define the differences between gendered and nongendered terms. Overall, this book does a fabulous job of making every scenario relatable, with the creators' witty, graphic banter inviting those who identify both inside and outside of the binary to learn something new. Verdict Full of necessary and relevant information but also accessible and nonjudgmental. Recommended for all readers. [Previewed in Jody Osicki's "Graphically Speaking," LJ 6/15/18.-Ed.]-Traci Glass, Multnomah Cty. Lib., Portland, OR © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-Genderqueer writer and illustrator Bongiovanni and cisgender writer Jimerson, longtime friends, present this educational comic guide to gender-neutral pronouns. Speaking to each other and directly addressing readers, they emphasize the importance of inclusive and respectful language. Bongiovanni brings the perspective of their lived experience, and Jimerson serves as a thoughtful ally and role-plays as someone unfamiliar with gender-neutral pronouns. Together, they offer examples and explanations of pronoun usage and discuss misgendering (using the wrong pronouns, assuming gender, and relying on faulty visual shortcuts based on a gender binary). They also model potential conversations, such as how to ask what pronouns others use. The repeated references to creating inclusive work spaces give this guide more of an adult-oriented focus; still, teens will get a lot out of it. Featuring whimsical, lively illustrations, this clear, well-organized, conversational guide also covers dealing with mistakes. A section called "For Folks Identifying with Alternative Pronouns" offers advice on coming out as nonbinary. VERDICT A great, simple look at the importance of using correct pronouns; extremely accessible to those for whom gender-neutral language is a new concept.-Amanda -MacGregor, Parkview Elementary School, Rosemount, MN © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
This cartoon guide provides readers with information and advice about nonbinary pronouns and identities using equal parts sarcasm and sincerity.Archie, a white nonbinary person with a septum piercing, teamed up with their friend Tristan, a bearded white cis man, to "educate and inform people on gender neutral pronouns...so that you don't have to do all the heavy lifting yourself." In expressive but sparsely illustrated panels, this book explains what pronouns are ("a substitute for a noun that you don't know the identity of orshorthand when the person/place/thing you're talking about is understood"), Archie's experiences of being misgendered, different ways for allies to support nonbinary people, and tips and tricks for navigating the world with a gender identity that isn't just "male" or "female." At some points the snark is a little grating, and at other points the earnestness can be cloying. The absence of any discussion of how race, ability, or other marginalized identities intersect with gender may be intentional to keep a sharp focus, but this also results in a flattening of perspective that may frustrate nonbinary readers with identities that Archie and Tristan don't acknowledge. However, the text is conversational and accessible, providing helpful information to binary readers without privileging their needs over those of a nonbinary audience.A helpful introduction to they/them pronouns for those in the know and those in the process of learning more. (Nonfiction graphic novel. 12-adult) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
