Teaching, affirming, and recognizing trans* and gender creative youth : a queer literacy framework /

This timely book is a splendid addition to the literature aimed at informing and guiding educators in supporting trans* individuals ("trans*" is an inclusive term for anyone along the "non-conforming" gender identity spectrum). The editor, an associate professor of literacy at the University of Colorado, has gathered a talented group of knowledgeable contributors who collectively provide a rich mix of theory and practice. Although the book contextualizes things within a "queer literacy framework," it is not by any means a polemic. On the contrary, it removes LGBTQ concerns as a subspecialty within a queer studies or gender studies program, and redirects its focus to the (mostly secondary) English language arts (ELA) classroom. The contributors provide pre-service and in-service teachers with a clear picture of the lives of trans* individuals and, from a very practical perspective, offer specific classroom activities and lessons aimed at bringing a more expansive understanding of diversity into the nation's schools. And while the examples are geared toward the ELA curriculum, the book would be of great benefit within any teacher education program, especially now when trans* rights and safety are under fire in so many quarters. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through practitioners. --Howard M. Miller, Mercy College