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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow by Benjamin Dean is a 5⭐️ joy.
Archie is 12. His Mum and Dad have split up, and emotions are high. Suddenly his Dad explains the reason why they’re divorcing - he’s gay.
This book explores pretty deep and difficult themes for children, but does so with a light touch and a great sense of honesty, empathy and commitment to help & educate.
Archie is given space to explore what these life events mean, with his brilliant friends Seb and Bell being supportive sounding boards.
Once the idea of London Pride enters the story, for, well, reasons, the story kicks up a notch and the reader, through the children learning really gets a sense of the warmth and support both Pride itself, and being part of the gay community can bring.
Dean manages to introduce different parts of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum from older people who came out later in life, to Oscar and Dean, a charming gay couple in their late teens. With an added whirl of drag (and glitter) the story reaches a warm hearted and emotional conclusion.
Dean’s gift is capturing the voice of the child, making all three of the protagonists funny, endearing and authentic. I don’t think there is a 12 year old who doesn’t know a bit about the community - especially Pride - but it works here to discover about it with them.
An essential read for any kids have a gay parent (or two!) or who are questioning their identity, and this must be in as many schools as possible for all kids to read about the normality and warmth of LGBTQIA+ people. A fantastic tool for encouraging empathy, without feeling like a PSA or a chore to get through due to its humour.
Straight away in the ‘books I wish had been around when I was a gay kid’ category. Damn Thatcher and her horrendous Section 28...
Out in Feb 21 from @simonkidsuk - available to pre order now..
Electronic copy provided in exchange for an honest review. (I covet the BEAUTIFUL proof that I’m not a big enough account to get on the mailing list for...)
Archie is 12. His Mum and Dad have split up, and emotions are high. Suddenly his Dad explains the reason why they’re divorcing - he’s gay.
This book explores pretty deep and difficult themes for children, but does so with a light touch and a great sense of honesty, empathy and commitment to help & educate.
Archie is given space to explore what these life events mean, with his brilliant friends Seb and Bell being supportive sounding boards.
Once the idea of London Pride enters the story, for, well, reasons, the story kicks up a notch and the reader, through the children learning really gets a sense of the warmth and support both Pride itself, and being part of the gay community can bring.
Dean manages to introduce different parts of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum from older people who came out later in life, to Oscar and Dean, a charming gay couple in their late teens. With an added whirl of drag (and glitter) the story reaches a warm hearted and emotional conclusion.
Dean’s gift is capturing the voice of the child, making all three of the protagonists funny, endearing and authentic. I don’t think there is a 12 year old who doesn’t know a bit about the community - especially Pride - but it works here to discover about it with them.
An essential read for any kids have a gay parent (or two!) or who are questioning their identity, and this must be in as many schools as possible for all kids to read about the normality and warmth of LGBTQIA+ people. A fantastic tool for encouraging empathy, without feeling like a PSA or a chore to get through due to its humour.
Straight away in the ‘books I wish had been around when I was a gay kid’ category. Damn Thatcher and her horrendous Section 28...
Out in Feb 21 from @simonkidsuk - available to pre order now..
Electronic copy provided in exchange for an honest review. (I covet the BEAUTIFUL proof that I’m not a big enough account to get on the mailing list for...)
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Full of colour, love and friendship, this book will warm the very core of your heart. I can't imagine how important a read this book would be to so many young people, being educational both intellectually and emotionally.
What an incredible idea to explore sexuality and the act of "coming out" through the eyes of a child as he and his friends try to understand what Pride and "gay" mean and how (or if) these words change anything.
This middle-grade celebrates love in all its forms, with the sweetest friendship between the three main characters, characters of all genders and sexualities and inter-generational friendship too. Dean illustrated Pride so perfectly; as one huge, colourful family.
I will be recommending this book to anyone and everyone who will listen.
What an incredible idea to explore sexuality and the act of "coming out" through the eyes of a child as he and his friends try to understand what Pride and "gay" mean and how (or if) these words change anything.
This middle-grade celebrates love in all its forms, with the sweetest friendship between the three main characters, characters of all genders and sexualities and inter-generational friendship too. Dean illustrated Pride so perfectly; as one huge, colourful family.
I will be recommending this book to anyone and everyone who will listen.
This was DELIGHTFUL! Loved the familial relationships, friendships, characters and writing! The only thing I didn't love is the fiasco at the pride parade, because I felt like it overshadowed the overarching plot since it took up about 1/3 of the entire book. Other than that I have no complaints, and I cannnnot wait to see what Benjamin Dean comes out with next!
2.5 stars
I really wanted to like this book, especially because of Black gay character, but it dragged so much that I had to give up. Difficult to imagine a middle-grade reader being able to sit through it. Nothing much happens plot-wise, and even though you feel for the protagonist, it's difficult to stay invested. Dean is a good writer, no doubt, and a story about a young child finding out one of their parents is gay, and coming to terms with it is a fantastic premise, but it just did not hold my interest.
(Review copy from NetGalley)
I really wanted to like this book, especially because of Black gay character, but it dragged so much that I had to give up. Difficult to imagine a middle-grade reader being able to sit through it. Nothing much happens plot-wise, and even though you feel for the protagonist, it's difficult to stay invested. Dean is a good writer, no doubt, and a story about a young child finding out one of their parents is gay, and coming to terms with it is a fantastic premise, but it just did not hold my interest.
(Review copy from NetGalley)
This was a really short read, but I enjoyed it a lot, especially the LGBTQ characters.
It was informative, but I think I would have liked it more if it was more in-depth.
Full review to come...
It was informative, but I think I would have liked it more if it was more in-depth.
Full review to come...