Book Review: This Day in June

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Pitman, G. E., & Litten, K. (2014). This day in June. Magination Press. ISBN: 978-1433816581

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBTQ+ community, This Day In June welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united. Also included is a Note to Parents and Other Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways as well as a Reading Guide chock-full of facts about LGBTQ+ history and culture.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I really enjoyed this book! I thought this book was written very appropriately for young children as it is written in a fun-loving way that celebrates differences in people. This book truly embodied equality, unity, progress, and pride.   The rhyming words and vibrant pictures were easy to follow along with and made this book engaging for young readers. My favorite part about this book is that it promotes diversity and inclusivity in our world. Although this book was short, each verse was powerful and meaningful! I thought this book was written beautifully and demonstrated the differences in people. For example, one of the pages focuses on shoes like sneakers, heels, cowboy boots, etc., which symbolize differences and unity among people. I also want to point out that this book doesn’t force people to think a certain way; it isn’t biased; it truly celebrates each person and their differences. This book embraces differences and shows kids that it is okay to be different, and it also teaches kids to respect everyone. This is a must-read book that should be added to every collection!

I also really enjoyed the illustrations. They were very colorful and helped tell the story. The illustrations were paired beautifully with each page. Additionally, each picture helped convey the message of happiness and being unique. This book's prominent illustration of the pride flag on each page was a nice touch.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

- 2015 Stonewall Award Winner

Starred review in School Library Journal: “This beautifully illustrated book is a great addition to a school or personal library to add diversity in a responsible manner without contributing to stereotypes about LGBT people.”

Starred review in Publisher’s Weekly: Pitman, in her first book for children, salutes the LGBT parades that take place across the U.S. in June. Her couplets keep things marching steadily forward, but Litten’s artwork creates a sense of joyous excitement and showcases the diversity on display.

5. CONNECTIONS

* Take students outside for a small picnic where they can share stories.  Try engage students in conversations about unity.

*Have students illustrate and write a short verse for their favorite day in June.  Have students share their finished product with the class.   

*Other LGBTQ+ Books:

Sanders, R., & Salerno, S. (2018). Pride: The story of harvey milk and the rainbow flag. Random House.

ISBN: 978-0399555312

Beer, S. (2018). Love makes a family. Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0525554226


This book was written for an SHSU MLA course. 

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