YA LGBT Books discussion

I am a 53-year-old lesbian children's book author who has been out since I was 21. I have two kids in high school. I have been fortunate to have rarely faced overt discrimination. It was a bit of a shock today to see this email from someone reviewing the first two books of a chapter books series I am launching this week. (First Book is My Dogs Sees Ghosts - https://amzn.to/2mltI7x)
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Dakota,
First of all let me say that from an elementary teacher’s point of view and a librarian’s view, these stories were very funny. It was easy to get caught up in the story as narrated by the 11year old. The child’s point of view was exceptionally written. Very well done!
I must say though, I cannot give a review on my blog. I’m sorry. Why? Although I enjoyed the way in which the stories were told, I cannot endorse the fact it mentions two moms. Please know, I am not judging you or anyone else for that matter. I do not feel comfortable in presenting a book that highlights a way of life with which I do not agree. I would not expect you to endorse something that you did not agree with as well. And, I would not wish to degrade anyone for their personal choices. I applaud your writing ability. Keep it up! You have a wonderful talent!
Thank you for allowing me to read these two books. I apologize that I cannot give a public review.
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I am now more determined than ever to make sure these books are a success. My kids grew up in a time when very few books reflected our two-mom family. I will not cave and change one of the moms into a dad to make people more comfortable.
I am hoping you can pass the word about this book to any friends or family with kids in the 7-12 age range. Kids need to see that families of all kinds are valid.
(I have included an Amazon link. The Kindle version is just $.99 and will be free Oct. 1-3.)

I guess you can count it as a triumph that someone who is that solidly homophobic still enjoyed your books, but I have to say this attitude really is frustrating. "I'm not judging you but I can't endorse this book because I'm judging your life unacceptable for kids." The ability to excuse their own prejudice while staying "a nice person" in their own eyes is such self-delusion.

Good luck with the book and thanks for writing one for that middle-grade age range. We really need more in that category.

Thank you for your support. Yes, I was surprised she still said so many positive things when my life is so unacceptable. You are probably right, she is being "well-balanced" and "kind" while practicing her homophobia. Guess if that helps her sleep at night...

Personally, it added fuel to my fire to contact all the LGBTQ influencers I possibly can!

It seems so unbelievable that these opinions still hold sway over some individuals. It frightens me to think that this person holds a position to influence young minds. How very sad for those children.

Brooklyn wrote: "It seems so unbelievable that these opinions still hold sway over some individuals. It frightens me to think that this person holds a position to influence young minds. How very sad for those child..."

Yes, I agree.

Do you know if you'll have a hardback version? I see the paperback on Ingram, but I'm not able to requisition a copy for my library branch unless it's hardback.

Rez wrote: "Do you know if you'll have a hardback version? I see the paperback on Ingram, but I'm not able to requisition a copy for my library branch unless it's hardback."

Unfortunately, it will not be available in hardback due to the expense. I appreciate the thought though! Maybe one of these days!