School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-From witch trials to Y2K, this short story anthology tells fictional tales of LGBTQ teens throughout history. Though most entries are realistic, there are a few magical tales based on legends scattered throughout. The diversity is refreshing: it's not just white history being told and there is a deaf character fighting alongside Robin Hood. However, the queerness trends toward lesbian and gay teens. There are a few asexual characters, showing a variety of people on the ace spectrum, and a few trans boys, but no trans girls or nonbinary characters. The short stories are well written, as can be expected from the well-known contributors such as Anne-Marie McLemore and Shaun David Hutchinson. One standout piece is "And They Don't Kiss at the End" by Nilah Magruder, which tells Dee's story as a black, roller disco-loving teen coming to terms with her asexuality. Malinda Lo's "New Year" really captures the slow discovery by young Lily on Lunar New Year of an underground of queer folk like her. Fans who are loyal to these authors will be pleased by the entries. Some teen voices feel more authentic than others, and at times, the more modern settings felt a bit heavy-handed. VERDICT Give to those teens who don't read full novels but still long for LGBTQ representation. A strong choice for most collections.-Kathryn Kania, Pelham Public Library, NH © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A historical-fiction anthology shines the spotlight on queer teens, from as far back as the 1300s up to the turn of the 21st century.Two boys who fall for each other while assisting competing magicians, an asexual roller skater who navigates a crush, and a transgender Robin Hood on the run from a female Sheriff of Nottingham are only a hint of what readers can expect to find in these stories from 17 authors for teens. The vast majority come to life through sumptuous language, plentiful historical detail, and satisfying endings. Most stories acknowledgeand sometimes directly deal withthe hardships of being queer in these settings, but that's not the focus here. Instead, the collection centers on adventure, first love, and self-discovery. Nearly every tale ends with a sense of hope, even triumph. Although the casts are somewhat ethnically diverse, about half the stories take place in the 1900s, and most are set in the United States, which may leave readers wishing for more scope. The stories, both realistic and fantastical, primarily feature lesbian and gay teens, although transgender and asexual characters also make appearances. Author's notes follow some stories to provide background and further insights. Readers searching for positive, nuanced, and authentic queer representationor just a darn good selection of storiesneed look no further than this superb collection. (Short stories/historical fiction. 14-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
From the forests of fourteenth-century England to Massachusetts on the eve of Y2K, this anthology waltzes through history, infusing it with the oft-overlooked and much-needed narratives of queer teens. Through an alluring blend of genres and a diverse array of YA authors including Malinda Lo, Alex Sanchez, Robin Talley, and Mackenzi Lee these 17 short stories explore crushes and coming out, runaways and revelations, narrow escapes and enchanted evenings. There are retellings; Anna-Marie McLemore's bewitching opener, Roja, weaves the legend of Mexican outlaw la Carambada into an unstoppable romance between an imprisoned transgender soldier and the magical girl who loves him. Elliot Wake's Every Shade of Red, stars Will Scarlett as Robin's lookout and lover. There are also refreshing originals. In Nilah Magruder's And They Don't Kiss at the End, protagonist Dee, a twentieth-century black Lizzie Bennet, ponders asexuality while roller-skating. And in Scott Tracey's horror-tinged standout, the atmospheric Willows, two boys flee from their cursed eighteenth-century town and its murderous ritual. LGBTQIA story collections are scarce, but even if they weren't, this one would be essential.--Shemroske, Briana Copyright 2018 Booklist
