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thepinkkprincess's review
5.0
I found this book in the YA section of the library while browsing with my daughter. I think it was very well researched and written. And so interesting! I learned so much from this book.
kaylielongley's review
4.0
This is perhaps the most important book I've read all year. History has too often been written by rich, white, cis males, and that results in a one-sided narrative. This incredibly well researched compilation offers additional stories and voices, all while being extremely accessible, bolding to highlight facts or quotes, using arrows to call out definitions or context, and providing additional resources and books at the end.
Author Wind used primary sources and context as evidence for queerness within well known and lesser-known figures of history. Some I knew, such as Eleanor Roosevelt's letters to beloved journalist "Hick." I did not know that Abe Lincoln shared a bed with Joshua, later writing private letters to him and public letters to his wife. Some stories are incredibly tragic, erased with time, such as Sappho's burned poetry and Bill Shakes' use of initials. After reading a chapter on the Lieutenant Nun, I'm going to read their autobiography! Their (mid)adventures across countries and genders sound captivating.
While censorship still affects men who love men, women who love women, and people living outside gender boundaries, this book, clearly intended for YA but helpful for any reader, gives me hope for a more honest history and a shared, safe future. Because love is love is love is love.
Author Wind used primary sources and context as evidence for queerness within well known and lesser-known figures of history. Some I knew, such as Eleanor Roosevelt's letters to beloved journalist "Hick." I did not know that Abe Lincoln shared a bed with Joshua, later writing private letters to him and public letters to his wife. Some stories are incredibly tragic, erased with time, such as Sappho's burned poetry and Bill Shakes' use of initials. After reading a chapter on the Lieutenant Nun, I'm going to read their autobiography! Their (mid)adventures across countries and genders sound captivating.
While censorship still affects men who love men, women who love women, and people living outside gender boundaries, this book, clearly intended for YA but helpful for any reader, gives me hope for a more honest history and a shared, safe future. Because love is love is love is love.
ananyagirish's review
4.0
I loved this book! It's such a great into to queer history and the ways in which queer histories are rewritten and often erased despite all the evidence and first person accounts and primary sources that are available. I think this book sang the triumphs of influential queer people in history and just how big their impact was, while also painting them as deeply human. Would highly recommend to anyone, of any age really, dipping their toes into queer history.
My favorite chapters were Bayard Rustin, Hatshepsut, and Eleanor Roosevelt. I liked that Lee also included a colonizer and huge misogynist in this telling to show how deeply connected gender, sex, and power are in society, especially patriarchal society.
My favorite chapters were Bayard Rustin, Hatshepsut, and Eleanor Roosevelt. I liked that Lee also included a colonizer and huge misogynist in this telling to show how deeply connected gender, sex, and power are in society, especially patriarchal society.
bookwoman37's review
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
4.0
This book is a good overview of historical LGBTQIA figures. The book is aimed at young adults and is a good starting point to learn more about LGBTQIA history. The short biographies includes letters and other sources. Young reader will enjoy reading about this hidden history.
msvenner's review
4.0
This is an excellent nonfiction book for young people. It is an important retelling of history and a way for queer teens to feel less alone but it is also an excellent example of academic writing for young people. While dry at times, the topic keeps the reader engaged and shows students how to use both primary and secondary sources. An excellent addition to my library.
bouncy_knight_reads's review against another edition
Cool stories to read about, the digital formatting of footnotes was a bit odd