Outwords Books Top Picks

Outwords Books Top Picks: June, 2010

Select LGBT Parenting & Young Adult Fiction for June

 

LGBT Parenting titles:

  

1.         “Gay & Lesbian Parenting Choices,” Brette McWhorter Sember

Finally, a complete explanation of the many ways gay and lesbian couples can create a family and the legal hoops they must jump through. Written by an attorney in an-easy-to-understand style, this guide provides a comprehensive look at the options available to gay couples and offers advice and information on how best to proceed.

 

2.         “Gay Parenting: Complete Guide for Same-Sex Families,” Shana Priwer

            This insightful guide offers sage advice for same-sex families in every stage, from making the decision to have children to dealing with embarrassed teenagers. Discover the ways same sex parents should accent family pride to deal with being more visibly out.  Explore the options for bringing children into your lives, including adoption, fostering, surrogacy, and donor insemination. 

 

3.         “The Lesbian Parenting Book,” D.Merilee Clunis & G. Dorsey Green

Written by two experienced lesbian therapists and parents, this completely revised edition has been updated to reflect the contemporary cultural and political landscape, as well as current trends in parenting. Drawing on the real-life experiences of lesbian families and the latest information from family specialists, the authors present detailed, chapter-by-chapter information on each stage of parenthood and child development.

 

4.         “Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide,” Arlene Istar Lev 

Gay/Lesbian parenting can be a positive decision, but author and lesbian mother Arlene Lev admits it isn't always an easy one. With practical wisdom and advice, and personal real-life stories, Lev prepares LGBT parents for this endeavor with everything they need to know and can expect while making their own significant and challenging mark on family life in the 21st century.

 

5.         “Gay Dads: A Celebration of Fatherhood,” David Strah & Susanna Margolis

"Gay Dads" offers personal accounts from men describing their unique journeys to fatherhood and the struggles and successes they have experienced as they raise their children. This is the first book to provide such an expansive exploration of this extraordinary new family unit. With beautiful black-and-white photographs of each of the families, "Gay Dads" is a moving tribute to familial love.

 

 

Recommended Young Adult Fiction:

 

1.         “Geography Club,” Brent Hartinger

Russel is gay, and he knows he better keep it secret, or he'll be a total outcast. Then he discovers that there are others like him--including Min, his longtime best friend as well as gorgeous, popular jock star Kevin. Seven of them form a support group, the "Geography Club." For a short time, life is blissful until intense peer pressure and insecurity take their toll.

 

2.         “The God Box,” Alex Sanchez

            In an unforgettable novel, Lambda Award-winning author Alex Sanchez tells the story of Paul, a religious high-school senior whose life is turned upside-down when he meets Manuel, who says he is both Christian and gay -- two things Paul didn’t think could coexist and causes him to reevaluate everything he believed.

 

3.         “Luna,” Julie Anne Peters

For years, Liam has transformed himself into the beautiful girl he longs to be in the secrecy of the basement bedroom. Now, as Luna, Liam is about to emerge from her cocoon. But are Liam's family and friends ready to welcome Luna into their lives? Compelling and provocative, this is a groundbreaking novel about a transgender teen's struggle for self-identity and acceptance.

 

4.         “Annie on My Mind,” Nancy Garden

This classic, groundbreaking novel, first published in 1982, offers the story of two teenage girls whose friendship blossoms into love and who, despite pressures from family and school that threaten their relationship, promise to be true to each other and their feelings.

 

5.         “A Vigil for Joe Rose," Michael Whatling

            What is it like to be "out" in high school today? How do the reactions of students, teachers, and administrators affect the out gay student? “A Vigil for Joe Rose” is a collection of stories told with empathy and humour about being out in high school. As a unified collection, these eight short stories chart the journey of the main characters from first coming out to their growth into confident young gay men.

 

All of the above LGBT books and many more are available at Outwords Books, Gifts & Coffee located at 2710 N. Murray Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211 (414) 963-9089 www.outwordsbooks.com