Reviews tagging 'Bullying'
This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us by Katherine Locke, Nicole Melleby
6 reviews
jenny_librarian's review
4.0
Like all anthologies, there are some very good and some okay stories. Contrarily to some other queer anthologies, though, this one had a very good balance across the rainbow. There were many trans and nonbinary characters, and even ace rep (which is still pretty rare).
I especially loved Paper Planes and Balancing Acts. However I wasn't a fan of Stacy's Mom and Sylvie & Jenna.
I would've appreciated the rep in each story highlighted in the beginning, or just after the title.
I especially loved Paper Planes and Balancing Acts. However I wasn't a fan of Stacy's Mom and Sylvie & Jenna.
I would've appreciated the rep in each story highlighted in the beginning, or just after the title.
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Transphobia and Sexism
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia
radmusikitty's review
emotional
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? N/A
4.0
Moderate: Bullying
maple_dove's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
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? Yes
4.25
When the majority of characters are non-binary: 😌👍
Graphic: Grief, Misogyny, Racism, Slavery, Bullying, Homophobia, Sexism, and Transphobia
Moderate: Cultural appropriation and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcohol and Animal death
Misgendering (graphic)b_robinson's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.25
I've never read an anthology, but now I'm lowkey desperate to read some more.
I absolutely loved the stories featured in this! The main thing that was so good about it was how the diversity was very intersectional. With a mix of genders, pronoun sets, religions, and races, it was amazing to explore the experiences of so many different identities.
Also some of the stories were SO CUTE.
I absolutely loved the stories featured in this! The main thing that was so good about it was how the diversity was very intersectional. With a mix of genders, pronoun sets, religions, and races, it was amazing to explore the experiences of so many different identities.
Also some of the stories were SO CUTE.
Minor: Slavery, Bullying, Classism, Colonisation, Homophobia, Outing, and Transphobia
emmaward55's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This anthology boasts an incredible line up of authors and a riveting array of stories that never failed to capture less than my full attention. I loved all 16 tales and their many different takes on the central themes of queer identities and childhood.
Perhaps what stood out the most to me, beyond the sheer amount of variety in identities represented, was that each story was uplifting in its own way. Even the ones that dealt with harder topics, like bullying, coming out to unsupportive families, or the death of a pet, all ended on a hopeful (if not downright positive) note. This is vitally important for the target audience of queer and questioning middle grade readers. In a reality where Texan parents are being criminalised for supporting trans youth, in a world where being out can result in violent attacks, young people need to know that we get happy endings too.
I loved this anthology so much that I am desperately hoping for a sequel (do anthologies get sequels?!) with even more stories and even more characters living fulfilled and joyful lives. I know I'd pick it up in a heartbeat. Until then, you'll find me rereading all 16 stories.
TL;DR: Every school library needs this book!
Perhaps what stood out the most to me, beyond the sheer amount of variety in identities represented, was that each story was uplifting in its own way. Even the ones that dealt with harder topics, like bullying, coming out to unsupportive families, or the death of a pet, all ended on a hopeful (if not downright positive) note. This is vitally important for the target audience of queer and questioning middle grade readers. In a reality where Texan parents are being criminalised for supporting trans youth, in a world where being out can result in violent attacks, young people need to know that we get happy endings too.
I loved this anthology so much that I am desperately hoping for a sequel (do anthologies get sequels?!) with even more stories and even more characters living fulfilled and joyful lives. I know I'd pick it up in a heartbeat. Until then, you'll find me rereading all 16 stories.
TL;DR: Every school library needs this book!
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Grief, Animal death, Bullying, Outing, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Minor: Child abuse, Murder, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
More info on: RacismSpoiler
one story about Black slaves who want to run awaySpoiler
the death happened some time before the story beginsSpoiler
one passing mention in one story, and the characters are no longer in dangerSpoiler
passing mention in one story, not a recent eventSpoiler
one story briefly mentions dead enemy soldiers strung up as a warningseawarrior's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This anthology contained a number of sweet stories that are sure to inspire LGBT+ middle schoolers to be true to themselves and persevere against the obstacles in their way. However, while each of the characters in this book are unique, the variety of plots was somewhat of a disappointment to me. Nearly all of the stories were set in the modern, "real" world and about a gay character dealing with their first crush. Not that those stories aren't important, especially for an LGBT+ middle school audience, but I was hoping for more trans narratives than what was ultimately presented. Still, I felt that each of these stories were written well and with emotion young readers are sure to respond and relate too. Their generation is lucky to have these rainbows of stories to help them find their way.
Moderate: Ableism, Animal death, Bullying, Death of parent, Homophobia, and Outing
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