Are You a Friend of Dorothy?: The True Story of an Imaginary Woman and the Real People She Helped is by Kyle Lukoff and illustrated by Levi Hastings. I had hoped that it would be something different than the usual LGBTQ book, as I have read several and wanted more things. The fact that Lukoff is using the code phrase, “Are you a friend of Dorothy?” made it seem promising. And while they did not disappoint, as an adult reader, I’m still looking for more.
But aged (at least) five and up crowd will be getting a lot of information. It is simplified for the younger crowds, but the fact that this phrase is used allows for a deeper meaning to things. I felt it was was an interesting choice for the age range. Yes, we get a lot of what other books have said on the subject, but there are new things and fresh ways of giving it to us. I would read this to ages seven to younger 10 in a group setting. It is something that you could have your older reader, with a lower reading level than grade level could get a lot from it. I did read it via an online reader, therefore, I am not sure if it will look “too young” but it is still good. However, the history, though little is actually really known, is explored while framing it in familiar pieces of information which is what really would let the reader know that the history of the fight for “outness” has had some interesting (and maybe not so real) allies.
And the other thing that caught my attention is that the illustrations really do capture the readers attention and keep them interested in the subject. It is a landmark showing you the spirit of what is happening. However, they could be considered a little too young by the 8 to 10 reader, therefore, I would read with them or let them know if there were questions, I would be available to them.