Confronting LGBTQ+ Discrimination

March 15, 2018
Grades 7-10 This entry in the Speak Up! Confronting Discrimination in Your Daily Life series (7 titles) is a fact-based introduction to an important issue. Though a bit of a grab bag, it still does a nice job of realizing the author's contention that LGBTQ+ discrimination is a fact of everyday life. Such persons, for example, may be evicted from their homes, denied service at restaurants, denied credit, excluded from juries, and more. Transgender persons are especially liable to be discriminated against. Such discrimination is not always overt and sometimes is subtle or unconscious. Regardless, Hurt writes, education and awareness are powerful tools in the battle to end LGBTQ+ discrimination. This is generously illustrated, replete with sidebars, and offers helpful appended matter. A useful book that belongs in school and public library collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

April 1, 2018

Gr 9 Up-The authors of this series encourage readers to speak out against discrimination. Some bigoted behaviors, such as microaggressions, can be subtle and difficult to identify, and much of the narrative contends with that challenge. The differences between lawful and unlawful discrimination and hate crimes are analyzed. Various laws protecting individuals are examined, reinforcing the vital importance of knowing one's rights. Healthy coping strategies are also included throughout the set. With a "hear something, say something" mantra, this series empowers teens to be active upstanders with practical tactics for combating prejudice in a variety of settings. VERDICT A beneficial addition to YA nonfiction collections.

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