August 1, 2019
Two older gays try to appeal to kids these days. Beginning with "Am I Queer?" and ending with sex, Belge (co-author: Lipstick's and Dipstick's Essential Guide to Lesbian Relationships, 2007) and Bieschke (contributor: Dear Teen Me, 2012) broadly cover important issues in the lives of LGBTQ people, with sidebars about their own personal stories as well as a series of "On the Queer Frontier," covering historical figures like Sappho and Harvey Milk. Some information is specifically relevant to young people, such as First Amendment rights in schools, but much of it is easily applicable to people coming out at any point in their lives. In fact, at times this book feels more appropriate for a less savvy, pre-internet generation of young queers, especially in the ways it treats asexuality and nonbinary identities as asides, the use of language that reinforces a gender binary, and an oversimplified treatment of bisexuality. The final chapter on sex is particularly conservative, making queer sex sound extremely boring and with some fairly judgmental language about STIs to boot. Similarly, the chapter on relationships argues that queer relationships are as varied as those of straight people but doesn't go into any of the interesting relationship structures present in, or pioneered by, queer communities. There are some necessary updates in this text that distinguish it from the variety of gay guidebooks published from the '90s onward, but it's still quite basic. Tepid but useful. (resources, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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October 1, 2019

Gr 7 Up-This second edition offers a solid foundation of knowledge for LGBTQ teens and those who want to better understand what it means to be queer. Topics include self-acceptance, coming out, dating, and sex. The information is general enough to fit a broad range of issues into just over 200 pages, but readers will still find many of their questions answered. The extensive resources will help them fill in additional information needs. Readers will learn about stereotypes, homophobia, and how to find a community of peers to provide a safe space. Hate and homophobia are handled with more nuance than in similar texts. The book examines what leads to hate and how teens can address it. Included in the text are a relationship quiz to identify any unhealthy behaviors and a table of sexually transmitted infections with symptoms and treatments. Belge and Bieschke use their respective experiences to illustrate the situations these teens may find themselves in. VERDICT This updated title gives teens the information needed to navigate their world, but, more important, it also helps them understand and accept themselves.-Cathy DeCampli, Haddonfield Public Library, NJ

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2019
Grades 7-10 The world of queer youth has changed dramatically in the 11 years since the first edition of this useful, commonsense guide was published, and the coauthors have done an excellent job of updating the book's contents accordingly. They cover the full spectrum of LGBTQ experience from coming out, finding your people, and queer sex to queer relationships and dating. In addition to near-encyclopedic coverage of the subject, the book is rich in sidebar features, many about queer history and others about the coauthors' personal experiences. The text is readily accessible and lively, even chatty and frank when necessary, especially in its coverage of queer sex and its pleasures and dangers. The book's contemporaneity is evidenced by its coverage of sex and technology and its extensive treatment of transgender issues. Comic spot art throughout enlivens a sometimes-sober text. A must-read for curious queer teens, the book is also of potential interest to adults interested in the subjects addressed. A useful list of resources is appended. A valuable addition to a surprisingly spare literature.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)

May 23, 2011
Divided into sections about coming out, homophobia, what it means to be queer, dating, and sex, this guidebook offers upfront advice and information for teens who think they may be (or know they are) lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. The authors are equally open in asides drawn from their own experience (including disastrous dates and coming out to parents and friends), and additional sidebars explore LGBT pioneers like Harvey Milk and Christine Jorgensen, as well as current topics such as gay athletes and gay marriage. The tone of the book is consistently accessible, pop culture–savvy, and supportive ("Dating can often be awkward and stressful no matter your age sexual orientation.... But as a queer teen, you've got a few more challenges on your plate"). An extensive list of resources, including Web sites, organizations, and books, is included. Ages 14–up.