This was an adorable book with some really pretty, often very detailed art. The premise at face value seems like it might be something that has been done but there was a twist that made it much more fresh. There are some really important topics in this that are covered really seamlessly and age-appropriately, including: anxiety, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and accountability. 

It seems like the author carefully thought out a lot about this world and I really hope we get to see more of it in future projects! 

I'm not sure that I can really do this book justice through a review, but here's my attempt. Suffice it to say, this is one you need to check out! 

Miss Major Speaks takes us through candid conversations with a legendary queer elder and activist. She introduces us to some key people and events that impacted her life and politics, while showing us how conditions for trans women of color have (and haven't) changed. 

There is so much happening in this small book but a few key things: She heavily critiques the focus on representation (tokenizing and assimilation) that have remained an issue throughout her time and has relegated the most marginalized to the back. The majority of her conversations also go back to issues with the prison and policing. Of course these two points begin together in her discussion of the Stonewall riots and the way that the story of what followed is (mis)remembered today - but that is just where the conversation begins. 

It was really incredible to see so many parts of queer history that I've read about before come together through one person's life. So many things can feel like they happened so long ago until you hear someone who is still around talk about it. The choice to make most of this just conversations rather than one narrative throughout adds to this, as it feels like you're right there listening. The introduction does have more of a linear structure that frames the conversation and gives necessary background, but the discussion is really where the history comes to life. 

This isn't a 101 text or an explainer - this is the raw, honest conversation of someone who has lived life and has payed attention to these parts of history that have gone on and how they connect. So go into this book to learn but if you are less educated on trans issues or the prison industrial complex, I would not be inclined to tell you to read this as a primary introduction - but it should be on your list. This sort of wisdom from someone who has lived through all of this is invaluable. 

As with many anthologies, some parts were stronger than others. Some I really loved and some were more okay. But over all, this was a good read! It's got a lot that will be good for many autistic people to feel seen, but it's also very good for people who aren't familiar with autism at all. 

I went into this book, hoping it would be great but completely content if it was incredibly mediocre (if Sahsa Velour wrote it, I wanted to read it regardless). And it was better than I ever could have wanted! There is an incredible amount of history, some in the far past but much in our recent history, that is incredible to have in one place. The memoir elements were well written and compelling. It framed the whole manifesto - the history, the theory, the art - really wonderfully, giving insight on the author but also showing the impact of the history and the art.

 This book focuses on Rick, who is just starting middle school. As he's navigating a school change, he is also confronting questions about himself and who he is friends with. Outside of school, he is spending more time with his grandpa who he learns shares his passion for a sci-fi show.

This was a cute middle grade that touches on quite a few LGBTQ topics (primarily, what it can be like to be ace or aro) as well as hard lessons about friendship that don't get discussed very frequently. It also touches on grief and change on several fronts, but it's not super heavy emotionally. This is set in the same world as their first book, Melissa, so we get to see her a bit as well! Overall, it was a cute well-done middle grade.

It definitely gave me lots of feelings. I love that some kids get to have this sort of experience and access to community (that was necer in the realm of possibilityfor me growing up), but it's upsetting to know that this is a limited experience, especially with recent legislation in many states. Just one more reason to stay aware of these bills being seen throughout the country that focus on queer kids. 

Set in 2031, this book focuses on a neuroscientist who is working on a research project that will connect her brain to the psyche of one of the few remaining wild wolves. Along with this, you see her deteriorating relationship with her wife, as well as the state of the world around them. This story is a very believable near future both in terms of the year and in the state of the world: a hypercorperate place dealing even more with the effects of climate change. 

Every layer of the story shows us a toxic relationship, what it's like to be so close to connection while merely being empty consumers instead. It's haunting and devastating, an all too realistic horror that was brilliantly done. It was the perfect length for what it was trying to do and it is definitely going to stick with me.