
A parent should reach for this book when their child is beginning to ask questions about their own identity or when they notice their child feeling like an outsider in traditional stories. It is a vital resource for children who may be questioning their gender or orientation, or for those who simply need to see that 'happily ever after' belongs to everyone. Pete Jordi Wood has curated and reimagined traditional folktales from around the globe, centering LGBTQ plus characters and themes that were often erased or coded in historical versions. The collection moves through diverse cultures and time periods, offering a sense of historical belonging that many queer youth feel they lack. While the stories deal with themes of overcoming prejudice and finding self-acceptance, the overall tone is celebratory and magical. It is an excellent choice for parents looking to normalize diverse identities through the familiar lens of mythology and wonder. Best suited for children in late elementary through middle school, it provides a safe space for conversation and a mirror for those who rarely see themselves in the pages of classic lore.
Standard fairy tale dangers such as magical curses or journeys through the unknown.
Includes depictions of same-sex romance, including kissing and declarations of love.
None.
An 11-year-old who loves mythology but feels a disconnect from the traditional 'prince and princess' binary and is looking for stories that reflect a wider range of experiences.
This book can be read cold. It is designed to be accessible and affirming. Parents may want to read the introductions to each story together to discuss the cultural origins of the tales. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child say something like, 'Why are there no stories about people like me?'
Younger readers (ages 8-10) will enjoy the whimsical magic, vibrant illustrations, and the 'happily ever after' resolutions. Older readers (11-14) will better appreciate the historical context and the way these stories subvert traditional narrative tropes to provide modern representation.
Unlike many modern LGBTQ+ books that focus on contemporary coming-out struggles, this collection offers a unique perspective by showcasing the historical presence of diverse identities in global folklore and mythology. ```
This collection reimagines ten traditional folktales and myths from diverse global cultures, specifically centering LGBTQ plus protagonists and themes. The stories range from ancient legends to more modern fables, focusing on quests for self-discovery, the magic of transformation, and the pursuit of love and community. While the book description provided in the prompt mistakenly references a Tom Clancy novel, the actual content of 'Tales from Beyond the Rainbow' is a curated anthology of inclusive lore.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review