I’m so pleased to take part in the NONE OF THE ABOVE blog tour! I.W. Gregorio’s debut is an enthralling and informative book about an intersex teen. Today’s teens are very interested and savvy about gender diversity concerns, though teachers and YA books haven’t quite caught up to them yet. (I’ve learned a lot about gender terminology from my own teenager) So, I was happy to see that this book exists and think it will be a great resource for schools, teens, and adults to learn more about intersex conditions, and hopefully more books will follow. (Read more about intersex conditions and FAQ’s here)
None of the Above is about Kristin- a homecoming queen and star athlete. Kristin finds out she’s intersex during a gynecological exam after a difficult sexual experience. Kristin reaches out to friends for support but the word gets out and there is some bullying and name-calling. The author’s medical background lends authenticity the book and Kristin’s story is handled with sensitivity and respect.
In this blog tour, author I.W. Gregorio writes a series of blog posts relating to the topic of the book, and also debunks some common myths about intersex conditions. Today the author stops by to share some LGBTQI book recs for readers to consider for further reading. (I’ve read about half the books on this list and they are fantastic)
Please welcome I.W. Gregorio!
Five inspiring LGBTQI books that can, and will, change lives
by I.W. Gregorio
As the mother of a five-year-old and a one-year-old, I’ve been thinking a lot about when children form their biases. I grew up in a fairly conservative part of the country, and after a long stint in various liberal bastions, I find myself living once again in an area where most of my neighbors lean toward the right.
Just the other day, my daughter asked me, “Can boys wear dresses too?” and my husband and I both said “Yes.” But I wondered if she asked that question because of something she overheard at school that suggested otherwise. So of course I thought of some books that I will have on my shelves as she grows up, to help her understand that there are many ways to love other people – and to love yourself.
1. Jacob’s New Dress by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, illustrated by Chris Case – This was the first book that came to mind when Olivia asked the question. I’d actually read it to her a last year, and she immediately asked me to read it to her again. It’s a lovely, warmly written and illustrated book about a boy who just happens to like wearing dresses – and the parents who choose to accept him for who he is.
2. Red by Michael Hall – Okay, so this book doesn’t look like a LGBTQI book on the surface, but the subtext is clear: if a kid doesn’t think his or her outside fits how they are on the inside, they shouldn’t be afraid to express their true self.
3. Five, Six, Seven, Nate! by Tim Federle – In this irresistable sequel to the universally adored Better Nate than Ever, Nate Foster’s an understudy for E.T.: The Musical and the subtle LGBT undercurrent of the first book gets punched up to a middle-grade romance. It’s so refreshing to have a funny and hopeful book about a 13-year-old kid coming out.
4. The Miseducation of Cameron Post by emily danforth – Whip smart, funny and heartrendingly vulnerable, Cameron Post is an irresistible protagonist and just so perfectly rendered. What I found most striking about the book, though, is its nuanced portrayal of a conversion therapy school, and how danforth captures the breathless anxiety of young love.
5. Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley – I value this book for many reasons, but most particularly because it has intersectional diversity (one of its protagonists is African-American and lesbian). Talley’s portrayal of the brave pioneers of school integation is nail-bitingly visceral, and the way she handles the internal battles that her main characters face surrounding their sexuality is perfectly stunning.
About the Author:
I. W. Gregorio is a practicing surgeon by day, masked avenging YA writer by night. After getting her MD, she did her residency at Stanford, where she met the intersex patient who inspired her debut novel, None of the Above (Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins). She is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books™ and serves as its VP of Development. A recovering ice hockey player, she lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children. Visit her on her website, Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, and GoodReads for her latest news.
None of the Above will be available in stores and online on April 7, 2015.
Giveaway!
Follow along with the NONE OF THE ABOVE Blog Tour:
I read The Miseducation of Cameron Post last summer and LOVED it. And Lies We Tell Ourselves is already on my to-read list. 🙂
I love the intersex myths that are being posted. Truly, people don’t understand how prevalent this is and most who experience it are afraid to talk about it so there just isn’t enough transparency for people to be able to connect with it and understand it.
Lucy, thanks so much for being part of this tour! I think it’s one of the most important titles to come out this year. I love hearing that you and your teenager have been talking about gender terminology–I’m not always sure myself if I’m using the correct verbiage, but books like these certainly help bridge the gap.
[…] Wednesday 4/1 5 Ways Writing is Way Harder Than Medicine The Reading Date Thursday 4/2 5 Inspiring LGBTQI Books That Can, and […]
This book looks so interesting!
I feel so sad that I’ve never read any of the books that the author recommended but I’m very interested in this and The Lies We Tell Ourselves.
I’ve been wanting to read Lies We Tell Ourselves for awhile now. I’ll have to look into some of the other books too.
Its super important that there be representation in children’s literature, so I really liked seeing the diverse children’s books in this post.
I have so many LGBTQ books I want to read but never heard of these books, but I will look into them. Thanks for the Recs.
I have read Everything Leads to You and I absolutely loved it! I haven’t read a whole lot of LGBTQI books, but I love that they’re getting a voice. We need more diverse books. We need to open the floor for more books that let kids know they are not alone. That their voice would and should be heard.
I haven’t read any of the LGBTQ books that the author suggested, but I have read others. I do have Lies We Tell Ourselves, I just haven’t gotten to it yet.
I’ve not read any of the books on the list, but I really want to read the Miseducation of Cameron Post as well as Lies We Tell Ourselves. I may even have to check out the childrens books too.
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
I haven’t read any of these books (although the two aimed at older audiences are both on my TBR list), but I’m a nanny and I’m constantly wishing I had books that more diversity in them (in all ways). Unfortunately, I’m not well-versed in MG fiction (or at least not the newer MG fiction, and I can’t think of many…any? books I grew up with that are diverse) and definitely a complete noob with picture books (I usually have the five year-old pick out any book he wants and then pick one picture book I want and we try and pick up one chapter book that the seven year-old will probably like) so this list is definitely going to be utilized at our next library visit!
I haven’t read any of these books…I don’t read much contemporary…but they definitely sound worth looking into.
I hate to say it, but I haven’t actually heard of any of these books. Having said that, I think it is important for books like these to get more recognition and I am interested in reading more books about identity.
I have not read any of these but I would like to. Wish me luck!
I’ve been meaning to read the last 3, but I definitely want to read Jacob’s New Dress now! It looks so cute, and has a great message too
I haven’t read any of them, but I do have Miseducation of cameron post on my kindle to read.
Unfortunately haven’t read any of these, but will! And when I have kids one day, these titles or some like it will be on my future child’s bookshelf. So excited for None of the Above!
I agree that I really love all the myths being posted. They’re so interesting. I haven’t read any of these, but The Miseducation of Cameron Post has been on my TBR for forever, because I’ve heard nothing but good things about it!
I’ve been dying to read The Miseducation of Cameron Post for months now! I really have to pick up a copy soon.