Bibliographic Information:
Title: Gender Queer
Author: Maia Kobabe
ISBN: 9781549304002
Publisher: Oni Press
Copyright Date: 2019
Format/Genre:
LGBTQIA+ comics; Autobiographical comics; Autobiographies and memoirs; Comics and Graphic novels; Biographies; Growing up; Adult books for young adults (Gender Queer: NoveList Plus - Powered by EBSCOhost, n.d.)
Awards and Honors:
2020 Alex Award, 2020 Stonewall (Title Detail: Gender Queer, n.d.)
Reading Level/Interest Level:
Grades 9 and up (Title Detail: Gender Queer, n.d.)
Plot Summary:
This is an autobiographical graphic novel by Maia Kobabe, who uses the pronouns e, em, and eir. Maia was assigned as female at birth, but felt like those pronouns never fit quite right. E learned of the spectrum of gender designations at an early age and came out to eir family as non-binary. This autobiography is an illustrated version of how she navigated different expressions of identity growing up, and how it was much more difficult for eir to have experiences that are commonplace for someone who identifies as female.
Author Background:
Before attempting to set out as a full-time freelance writer, Maia Kobabe worked in libraries for ten years. E has been self-publishing comics and e-zines since 2010. Gender Queer is eir first full-length book, and eir second full-length book was published in May of 2024, and it is entitled Breathe: Journeys to Healthy Binding. E is currently working on a middle grade fiction comic set to come out in 2026 (About - Maia Kobabe, n.d.).
Critical Evaluation:
I had actually purchased Gender Queer prior to this semester, as I had previously decided to purchase and read the books that were most often challenged at libraries. I had not gotten around to reading Gender Queer yet, so I am happy that this class pushed this one to the top of my TBR pile!
Maia’s story is amazing, and we are all blessed that they shared it in this book. I really appreciated learning about the struggles that Maia went through as a child and young adult, and the education on pronouns was much appreciated. I found the format of the book engaging and easy to read – I was able to finish the book in one sitting – maybe that is an advantage to graphic novels? The artwork was colorful and enhanced the words perfectly. It irritates me that this book is so frequently challenged. I did not find any of the content or illustrations inappropriate for anyone in the “young adult” or “teenage” age groups. I would definitely recommend this book to any teen or young adults who were interested in the topic.
Creative Use for a Library Program:
This book is one of the most challenged books at libraries for the past 3-4 years, so using it for a library program has it’s potential perils, but I think it is something that should be done. Young adults are so much more open with their gender identities in 2024 than they were when I was in high school in the mid-to-late 80’s. I think the teens would really enjoy this book, and it is a quick read as it is a graphic novel. After reading the teens could potentially have an open and honest conversation with each other in the group regarding what their experiences are with gender identity, with either themselves or friends. Depending on how that conversation goes, there could potentially be a second conversation including parents, as the kids most likely know more about gender identity than their parents do.
Speed-Round Book Talk:
Maia was told when she was young that she is a girl. But she does not feel like a girl. The thing is, she does not feel like a boy either. So what is wrong with her? This is the story of the journey growing up where Maia figured this out – or figured it out as best as she could at least!
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:
As I mentioned before, this is one of the most challenged books out there. There is some sex, and some nudity, and discussion about gender identity which is one of the most challenged topics in the world we currently live in. As a Young Adult Librarian I feel like it would be important to let my superior know in advance that we were going to be doing some programming with Gender Queer, and I would also make sure I knew the ins and outs of my library’s collection development policy thoroughly.
Reason for Inclusion:
Gender Queer is a story that needs to be told, especially right now when there are so many outside voices trying to silence people who are not cookie cutter “man” or “woman.” The fact that it is challenged so much makes it that much more of an important book to include.
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