This is a cute picture book about a Jewish trans girl who learns that she doesn't need a crown to display her femininity. It is really choppy and it tThis is a cute picture book about a Jewish trans girl who learns that she doesn't need a crown to display her femininity. It is really choppy and it tries to weave in the story of Queen Esther who is a figure in Jewish history but it's told in a way that doesn't actually explain who she is very well. There's also a play that the little girl is in and that it is one page. I understand that this is a picture book, but it is possible to write a cohesive story.
I was also looking at the author's social media and unfortunately at least one of them is a Zionist. I almost ended my review right there but I was looking at the illustrator and they are pro-Palestine so I'm not totally writing off this book. It's not one that I would buy though....more
Well unfortunately I won't be reading any more of this author's books. I felt a bit uncomfy after the discussion I had with him about the term fat in Well unfortunately I won't be reading any more of this author's books. I felt a bit uncomfy after the discussion I had with him about the term fat in this book and now I'm even more uncomfortable after explaining that some of his posts are aphobic. Got shut down real quick. Not only did he block me but he blocked everyone who liked my comment on his post. This is some really childish behavior. Do better.
I liked teacher of the Year well enough but this one was so much better. I'm afraid that I have sat with my thoughts on this for too long that I have forgotten my thoughts but I ended up actually reaching out to the author about some of my concerns regarding the fat rep and after discussing with him and going back through I feel a little bit better about it. My major concern was that it really felt like Theo had a lot of internalized fat phobia that wasn't necessarily dealt with or discouraged from Sheldon or his best friend. Like the only person that calls Theo fat is himself and his boyfriend and his best friend use alternative terms like stocky or thick and juicy. I think this could have been handled better but I don't actively dislike it or have pressing concerns like I did when I first finished the book.
Moving on, this book deals with Sheldon who is a small femme gay man who ends up switching schools last minute and Theo, the hot fat shy Jewish gay custodian helps him set up the room the begrudgingly. They don't like each other right away but Sheldon is persistent and when they both need a fake boyfriend for different events, they decide to fake date. As all fake dating schemes go they catch some feelings and I really liked their entire journey. I loved Theo's parents and I love Sheldon's sister. I think all of the characters in this were really well done and brought a lot to the table.
The only things really keeping me from giving this five stars are that I would have liked the fat rep to be dealt with a little bit more head-on, but I also think that there needed to be more discussion about Theo's PTSD. It is mentioned and there are panic attacks but there's never any conversation afterward that was thorough enough for me. I'm sure that most people disagree but I would have liked one less sex scene and one more conversation. Or just one more conversation and keep all the sex scenes. Whatever. I also feel like having sex in school closets is going to be a trademark for this author and I feel conflicted about that because that's a public space and it's kind of gross for other people. I'm sure it's whatever for the couple in question but please don't have sex in public places that are not designed for sex okay thanks....more
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