Review by Booklist Review
Gino, author of 2015's award-winning Melissa (previously titled George), crafts another tour de force about the ways in which modern LGBTQIA+ kids are connected to that community's history. Sam and TJ, two nonbinary best friends, know there's more to history than dead, straight, cis white men. Unfortunately, their history teacher doesn't agree, and he assigns the class a project researching local historical figures of note, the highest grade for which will also receive a contest entry for a new statue in Staten Island. Sam and TJ agree not to do a project on a straight, white man, and after Sam learns about LGBTQIA+ photographer Alice Austen, the project becomes more than just a homework assignment. This delicately and thoughtfully introduces the essential idea that LGBTQIA+ people have existed throughout history, seamlessly weaving Staten Island's queer history into the plot. Gino has written fun, smart characters who have the passion to challenge their teachers on difficult topics, emphasizing the idea that adults are not always right just because they're older authority figures. Sam explores the importance of connecting with their queer and trans elders while at the same time honoring their real-life LGBTQIA+ chosen family. An essential story to kids of all identities, offering a timeless reminder to readers of all ages: like Alice Austen, LGBTQIA+ people lived--and continue to live--here and everywhere.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
When Staten Island ("a place known for ways to leave it") holds a contest for a new statue of a local historical figure, white seventh grader Sam Marino and their best friend, tan-skinned TJ, both nonbinary, design a statue of lesbian photographer Alice Austen, a turn-of-the-century Staten Island resident. As Sam researches Austen, they find another personal connection: not only was Austen queer, she once lived in Sam's apartment. It's proof that queer people have always existed, and Sam wants everyone to know--especially their history teacher, who only seems to be interested in DSCWM ("Dead Straight Cisgender White Men"). With the help of their largely white neighbors, including femme 28-year-old Jess, with whom Sam discusses being "fat and fabulous," and 82-year-old lesbian Ms. Hansen, they gain a deeper understanding of queer community. Gino (You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!) provides a memorable protagonist in confident, stubborn Sam, whose enthusiasm for Austen's legacy--and the importance of queer history--is infectious. Sam has a strong understanding of institutional racism, and conversations with their older queer friends often center around intersectional oppression. A late interpersonal conflict feels tacked-on, but the solid representation in this novel offers a testament to the power of intergenerational queer community. Ages 9--12. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary. (Apr.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
Sam, a proud nonbinary seventh grader, has to research a figure of local significance for history class, and they are determined not to write about another DSCWM ("Dead Straight Cisgender White Man"). They choose Alice Austen: prolific photographer, lifelong fellow Staten Islander, and lesbian. Along with best friend TJ, Sam dives into research, delighting at the love between women that Austen showcased in her photographs. Their teacher plans to enter the best report in a borough-wide competition, with a chance to have the subject made into a statue. Sam and TJ think it should be Alice -- but with centuries of queer erasure against them, it might take a whole community to bring her story to light. Sam's confidence in their identity as a fat, nonbinary kid makes for a lovable protagonist, and their narration is funny and enthusiastic. Elements of queer theory and oft-overlooked historical facts are sprinkled into the first-person narration without feeling too preachy. The heart of this book is found in its intergenerational relationships -- Sam's friendships with LGBTQIA+ elders help them learn about fat liberation, queer history, and the value of chosen family. An author's note provides more information about Austen and includes five black-and-white photos, three of which are Austen's. Bodie Shanis July/August 2022 p.120(c) Copyright 2022. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Middle schoolers Sam and TJ discover queer history on Staten Island. Sam, who has pale skin and dirty-blond hair, and their best friend TJ, who has dark hair and tan skin, have to research a historical Staten Island figure for their boring, supertraditional history teacher. If they get the highest grade in the class, their report will be entered in a boroughwide contest to design a new statue for Staten Island Borough Hall. With help from some adult queer mentors, Sam discovers Alice Austen, a famous local photographer, lesbian, and, most exciting of all, former resident of Sam's exact apartment. Even when another project gets the highest grade, Sam, TJ, and their queer family are not ready to give up on Alice Austen. The main character and their best friend are both nonbinary, and though it is mentioned that some people don't understand this, they are supported by the important people in their lives. In fact, when talking to their older lesbian neighbor, they are shocked to learn how difficult life was for queer people in the past. Featuring relatable characters and an accessible plot, this book makes it clear that queer people have always existed and that they can be anywhere and any age. It also highlights the importance of queer history and intergenerational communication, though at times the writing can be clunky and overly earnest instead of letting the characters' experiences speak for themselves. Though somewhat didactic, this is an entertaining story stuffed with important lessons. (author's note, photographs by Alice Austen) (Realistic fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
