A review by themaddiest
Queer: The Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens, by Marke Bieschke, Kathy Belge, Christian Robinson
4.0
Queer is exactly what it says it is: a comprehensive guide for teens about LGBT life. It provides the facts about what it means to be LGBT as well as providing practical advice on how to come out, how to fight homophobia, and how to generally be an awesome person. Writers Belge and Beischke offer a funny, no-frills approach to providing as much information about LGBT life to teens as possible.
This is a pretty important book. In a time when teenagers are committing suicide because of bullying related to LGBT issues, a book like this is necessary. It offers a great deal of information and is written specifically for teens who are questioning or struggling with their sexuality. The authors use humor and a straightforward approach to broaching issues. Topics tackled include tips for coming out, tips for finding other teens who are LGBT(Q), facts about STIs, and inspiring stories about teens who have stood up and fought homophobia in their communities. The authors also provide personal anecdotes about their own lives, which helps give the book a more personal feel.]
The book is organized well, with little comic-strip drawings to help illustrate important points. The use of humor helps to alleviate any sense of nervousness teens might feel about their questions, and the authors’ ability to tackle topics without hesitation helps to reinforce the idea that this is not a taboo topic. In addition to offering facts about the LGBT world, the authors provide helpful, relevant suggestions on how teens can surround themselves with positivity and experience a healthy LGBT social life. Like I said, it’s not just practical information: this is necessary stuff.
Part dating guide, part activist’s handbook, this book is essential for any school or public library. It offers information not just for LGBTQ teens, but for adults who need information about how to talk to teens as well.
Queer: The Ultimate GLBT Guide for Teens by Kathy Belge and Marke Beischke. Zest: 2011. Electronic galley provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
This is a pretty important book. In a time when teenagers are committing suicide because of bullying related to LGBT issues, a book like this is necessary. It offers a great deal of information and is written specifically for teens who are questioning or struggling with their sexuality. The authors use humor and a straightforward approach to broaching issues. Topics tackled include tips for coming out, tips for finding other teens who are LGBT(Q), facts about STIs, and inspiring stories about teens who have stood up and fought homophobia in their communities. The authors also provide personal anecdotes about their own lives, which helps give the book a more personal feel.]
The book is organized well, with little comic-strip drawings to help illustrate important points. The use of humor helps to alleviate any sense of nervousness teens might feel about their questions, and the authors’ ability to tackle topics without hesitation helps to reinforce the idea that this is not a taboo topic. In addition to offering facts about the LGBT world, the authors provide helpful, relevant suggestions on how teens can surround themselves with positivity and experience a healthy LGBT social life. Like I said, it’s not just practical information: this is necessary stuff.
Part dating guide, part activist’s handbook, this book is essential for any school or public library. It offers information not just for LGBTQ teens, but for adults who need information about how to talk to teens as well.
Queer: The Ultimate GLBT Guide for Teens by Kathy Belge and Marke Beischke. Zest: 2011. Electronic galley provided by the publisher via Netgalley.