Book Review of "This Day in June" by Gayle E. Pitman

 

1.     Bibliography

Pitman, G. 2014. This day in June. (Litten, K) Magination Press – American Psychological Association. ISBN: 9781433816581

2.     Plot Summary

In this story we follow a parade of LGBTQ characters as they march through the streets celebrating their day in June.  We see many people in the crowd holding signs in support of their beliefs and values.  As we follow the parade, we see different colors representing different values of this community like Aids support and same sex marriages.  Throughout the book we see different themes and representations of the community, and it gives us a look into their world.  The back of the book has a review of all the different ideas in the book and what they mean.  There is also a reference guide to show how to incorporate this book into different age groups. 

3.     Critical Analysis

In this story you meet many different characters.  There is no one main character in the book but many different ones.  There are many different races represented in the story and everyone interacts with each race.  The book is a feel-good story and shows that on this one day in June we all can be united and support each other.  There are so many physical characteristics that are shown in the illustrations that give you a sense of each person in the story.  This book takes place in contemporary times and follows people as they march into the parade of the Pride Day celebration.  You can see apartment buildings with people hanging out the windows to celebrate as well.  There are so many cultural details in the book like people in the crowd holding signs that say, “Born this way”, “Proud Parent”, “Moving Equality Forward”, and “Love Not Hate”.  All these signs show that people are supporting each other in the LGBTQ community.  You can also see the rainbow flags, shirts, and even hair that represent the different ways that the community represents themselves.  The reading guide in the back of the book helps readers understand the different colors and what they represent to this community.  We see many different clothes in the book like leather and dresses that people are using to dress up and show their cultural identity.  The people in leather are showing that men can wear leather and be strong even though they are gay and women can wear leather because they are supposed to be feminine, and this shows that women can be masculine too.  This story shows us that people can come in all shapes and sizes as well as cultural backgrounds and we can still support them.  We should love each other and show that no matter what, we support people in what they believe in and what they want to do.  The illustrations in the story give us a glimpse into different ways that people celebrate this day and show us how people love and support them.  Overall, this story is a great showcase of how people should be treated no matter their beliefs and how we should move into a place that is loving and not hateful. 

4.     Review Excerpt(s)

This beautifully illustrated book is a great addition to a school or personal library to add diversity in a responsible manner without contributing to stereotypes about LGBT people. --School Library Journal

 

2015 Stonewall Book Award Winner

2015 Notable Books for a Global Society Award Winner

Top Ten Title, 2015 Rainbow List

5.     Connections

*I would have students write about a time they attended a parade and how it made them feel and what they were celebrating during the parade.  If they haven’t been to one, they can imagine they are at this parade and tell me how they would feel and what they would do.

*I would like to have the students read another book and compare it to this story.

-Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution by Rob Sanders

-Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders