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camryndaytona's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
(Review of an eARC)
This was an adorable book. I loved the art style (it almost reminded me of children’s art, which I’m sure was intentional). Most of all I appreciated that it has an entire section in the back of the book for adult allys, guiding them on how to make real change. The moral is one that both children AND adults can learn from.
This was an adorable book. I loved the art style (it almost reminded me of children’s art, which I’m sure was intentional). Most of all I appreciated that it has an entire section in the back of the book for adult allys, guiding them on how to make real change. The moral is one that both children AND adults can learn from.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Bullying
nushreadsbooks's review
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a lovely introduction for a young person (between Y2 to Y4) to learn about allyship. The illustrations were beautiful and the story had enough problem/solution scenario to make the story accessible without being daunting.
However, the audience could have been shown more of the teen centre, shown how these safe spaces are used. But, of course, there can always be a sequel.
This was a lovely introduction for a young person (between Y2 to Y4) to learn about allyship. The illustrations were beautiful and the story had enough problem/solution scenario to make the story accessible without being daunting.
However, the audience could have been shown more of the teen centre, shown how these safe spaces are used. But, of course, there can always be a sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
niseag's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Thank you Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the ARC.
I want to start of this review by stating how happy I am a book like this exists. Some people might say that allies should not demand their own representation, but a book like this might be crucial reading for young people who have lgbt folks in their lives: siblings, cousins, close family friends.... It does a good job in showing how they might be affected by seeing the pain of their loved ones, and in turn it explains how to stand with them in a way that children might understand. Combined with charming illustrations, this is an approachable way to introduce a child that might feel helpless against the pain of others to a way to help.
All that said, I think the book takes some knowledge for granted that the target audience I just described would not understand. What stood out to me was how it specified "the progress pride flag", which is politically very correct, but might add an extra layer of complexity that I do not think is needed, or indeed beneficial, here. I would also have liked if the book went into what the teen centre mentionned actually means to miguel and why it is a worthy cause. As I am an adult reader who is familiar with these kinds of instances, it makes sense to me, but for a child only just introduced to this part of the world it might be a vague concept. An extra line like "That is where Miguel and his boyfriend hang out to avoid the bullies" or something would have gone quite far.
I might be going into this too far, but that is mostly because I want to see books like this do the best they can. And things do not improve without critism. They are important. This book is important and should find places in libraries and classrooms. This is a brilliant step in children's literature.
I want to start of this review by stating how happy I am a book like this exists. Some people might say that allies should not demand their own representation, but a book like this might be crucial reading for young people who have lgbt folks in their lives: siblings, cousins, close family friends.... It does a good job in showing how they might be affected by seeing the pain of their loved ones, and in turn it explains how to stand with them in a way that children might understand. Combined with charming illustrations, this is an approachable way to introduce a child that might feel helpless against the pain of others to a way to help.
All that said, I think the book takes some knowledge for granted that the target audience I just described would not understand. What stood out to me was how it specified "the progress pride flag", which is politically very correct, but might add an extra layer of complexity that I do not think is needed, or indeed beneficial, here. I would also have liked if the book went into what the teen centre mentionned actually means to miguel and why it is a worthy cause. As I am an adult reader who is familiar with these kinds of instances, it makes sense to me, but for a child only just introduced to this part of the world it might be a vague concept. An extra line like "That is where Miguel and his boyfriend hang out to avoid the bullies" or something would have gone quite far.
I might be going into this too far, but that is mostly because I want to see books like this do the best they can. And things do not improve without critism. They are important. This book is important and should find places in libraries and classrooms. This is a brilliant step in children's literature.
lauryngreen's review
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? No
3.0
Noah is the best big brother ever, so when his little sister Joy sees some other kids bullying him and his boyfriend Miguel, she finds out what it means to be an ally. Using her out-of-this-world baking skills, and a dash of pride, Joy cooks up a recipe for success and acceptance.
This book is such a great introduction for young people to learn what it means to be an ally. Though there’s definitely room for further discussion, this is a brilliant starting point to begin a conversation. The book also includes some information for grown-ups on how to start a dialogue about queerness with young people. The discussion questions would work great in a classroom, at home, or anywhere else.
Really great and necessary book on what it means to be an ally, and how that can start from any age!
jordi37's review against another edition
4.0
This was a lovely introduction to allyship for young readers. As a trans woman, I was excited and nervous at the same time to see how allyship could be portrayed without usurping the central narrative of those most affected by homophobia and transphobia, queer folks themselves.
Instead, this book carefully and intentionally laid out realistic ways a child might feel about a situation where a loved one was being bullied, while still including important moments such as when Joy asked her brother if he wanted her to sell the cookies.
All of this was wrapped up with pretty and fun rainbow themed art throughout the book. I cannot wait to read this to my kids when it comes out!
Instead, this book carefully and intentionally laid out realistic ways a child might feel about a situation where a loved one was being bullied, while still including important moments such as when Joy asked her brother if he wanted her to sell the cookies.
All of this was wrapped up with pretty and fun rainbow themed art throughout the book. I cannot wait to read this to my kids when it comes out!
darryn_gray's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Super cute book that helps not only teach kids but adults too on how to be a good ally. I really like the touch at the end of it about how adults can be better allies and how they can help their own kids become good allies. We need more books like these around, so I'm glad to see a picture book like this get published. Every parent, whether part of the LGBTQIA+ community or just allies should pick up a copy of this.
sabireads84's review
3.0
Pride and Joy
A Story About Becoming an LGBTQIA+ Ally
by Frank J. Sileo; Kate Lum-Potvin
Provided to me in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
3,5 🌈🌈🌈
“No one gets to tell anyone they don’t belong anywhere”
If you know me at least a bit, you know I am a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I think it’s extremely important to teach children the importance of equal love and the freedom of becoming who you are, no matter what your sexuality is. You don’t need to belong to a community or minority to be an ally.
Noah and his friend Miguel are being bullied because they are gay. His sister Joy wants to cheer him up and bake cookies to raise awareness.
The thought behind this is great. It’s sweet: being an ally is easy. Standing up to the bullies is the hard thing.
The story is very simple but to me it lacked an emotional connection. It was very fact on, but the heartfelt part for me was missing. This topic needs love, joy and emotions. It’s also not explained I. The story what “being gay” means. Explain it in a child friendly language, that’s what I thought this would be about.
At the end there was a kind of glossary with questions for discussion and prompts what you can do. I am not totally convinced through. As said, I miss the emotions, should it have gone deeper?
Anyway, I applaud the authors for sending a message and teaching kids. That’s super cool.
Unfortunately I was not a fan of the illustrations at all. Sorry.
A Story About Becoming an LGBTQIA+ Ally
by Frank J. Sileo; Kate Lum-Potvin
Provided to me in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
3,5 🌈🌈🌈
“No one gets to tell anyone they don’t belong anywhere”
If you know me at least a bit, you know I am a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I think it’s extremely important to teach children the importance of equal love and the freedom of becoming who you are, no matter what your sexuality is. You don’t need to belong to a community or minority to be an ally.
Noah and his friend Miguel are being bullied because they are gay. His sister Joy wants to cheer him up and bake cookies to raise awareness.
The thought behind this is great. It’s sweet: being an ally is easy. Standing up to the bullies is the hard thing.
The story is very simple but to me it lacked an emotional connection. It was very fact on, but the heartfelt part for me was missing. This topic needs love, joy and emotions. It’s also not explained I. The story what “being gay” means. Explain it in a child friendly language, that’s what I thought this would be about.
At the end there was a kind of glossary with questions for discussion and prompts what you can do. I am not totally convinced through. As said, I miss the emotions, should it have gone deeper?
Anyway, I applaud the authors for sending a message and teaching kids. That’s super cool.
Unfortunately I was not a fan of the illustrations at all. Sorry.
that_bookworm_guy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is a cute and easy read to introduce children to what it means to be an ally.
The illustrations are easy to understand and adds to the words on the page, so even little ones can follow along.
I understand that this is for children, but I would have loved to have seen more on the emotional side. Maybe a scene where Joy is speaking to her brother and mainly asks if he is okay, maybe he could explain a little about how he feels. Even if it's something simple like 'the bullies make me feel sad. But the support of allies make me feel a little better.'
Overall, a really cute book with a good message behind it
The illustrations are easy to understand and adds to the words on the page, so even little ones can follow along.
I understand that this is for children, but I would have loved to have seen more on the emotional side. Maybe a scene where Joy is speaking to her brother and mainly asks if he is okay, maybe he could explain a little about how he feels. Even if it's something simple like 'the bullies make me feel sad. But the support of allies make me feel a little better.'
Overall, a really cute book with a good message behind it
bookchatwithbeth's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Wonderful to see such detailed illustrations of lgbt+ flags in this book for children. Such an important topic, teaching children how to start being an ally. Wish this was around sooner. And the illustrations were gorgeous. Paratexts we’re also excellent at making this book a useful resource.stitchsaddiction's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishing for my eARC of this adorable Children's book.
Pride and Joy is a story that helps to educate someone on how to be a LGBTQIA+ ally.
Focusing on a younger sibling who is shaken that their brother is abused for being gay, a plan unfolds, whilst embracing their shared love of baking. The Pride and Joy biscuits are made and kindness over cruelty shines through.
'Careful the things you say... Children will listen' taken from the Into the Woods musical is, reiterated by Vanessa Williams in the foreword of this beautiful but powerful book. Pride and Joy wonderfully demonstrates both sides of this quote as there is no doubt to me that the hatred that children spill is learned behaviour as is their acceptance and kindness.
I'm so glad that I had an opportunity to read Pride and Joy, and believe that this should be found in every primary school and in children's library. The lesson is carefully done so that young children will subconsciously pick it up whilst enjoying the gorgeous illustrations and story.
If you have young children and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community as a loved one? I would strongly suggest it to help them learn even from a young age what it can be like to be open about your gender or sensuality.
Thank you Kate Potvin and Dr Frank Silveo for this lovely story and to Emmi Smid whose illustrations that bring everything to life.
Pride and Joy is a story that helps to educate someone on how to be a LGBTQIA+ ally.
Focusing on a younger sibling who is shaken that their brother is abused for being gay, a plan unfolds, whilst embracing their shared love of baking. The Pride and Joy biscuits are made and kindness over cruelty shines through.
'Careful the things you say... Children will listen' taken from the Into the Woods musical is, reiterated by Vanessa Williams in the foreword of this beautiful but powerful book. Pride and Joy wonderfully demonstrates both sides of this quote as there is no doubt to me that the hatred that children spill is learned behaviour as is their acceptance and kindness.
I'm so glad that I had an opportunity to read Pride and Joy, and believe that this should be found in every primary school and in children's library. The lesson is carefully done so that young children will subconsciously pick it up whilst enjoying the gorgeous illustrations and story.
If you have young children and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community as a loved one? I would strongly suggest it to help them learn even from a young age what it can be like to be open about your gender or sensuality.
Thank you Kate Potvin and Dr Frank Silveo for this lovely story and to Emmi Smid whose illustrations that bring everything to life.