The Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets

by Gayle E Pitman (Author)

The Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets
Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade
This book is about the Stonewall Riots, a series of spontaneous, often violent demonstrations by members of the gay (LGBTQ+) community in reaction to a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. The Riots are attributed as the spark that ignited the LGBTQ+ movement. The author describes American gay history leading up to the Riots, the Riots themselves, and the aftermath, and includes her interviews of people involved or witnesses, including a woman who was ten at the time. Profusely illustrated, the book includes contemporary photos, newspaper clippings, and other period objects. A timely and necessary read, The Stonewall Riots helps readers to understand the history and legacy of the LGBTQ+ movement.
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Publishers Weekly

Pitman takes a unique narrative approach to the Stonewall riots by introducing a series of meaningful objects associated with the historical event. The first of the objects is the Jefferson Livery Stable on Christopher Street, which eventually became the Stonewall Inn. Subsequent items of focus include a photograph of protestors; a statement of purpose from the Daughters of Bilitis, a gay women's organization; an NYPD nightstick ("officers were dressed in full riot gear" during the event); and a New York Times article reporting the raid. Many of the objects are symbolic cultural artifacts, such as Judy Garland's dress from The Wizard of Oz: "many people in the LGBT community see themselves and their experiences reflected in The Wizard of Oz." Pitman's fresh storytelling brings emotion and depth to the history of a movement and the establishment that served as an epicenter for social change. Back matter provides a timeline, significant notes on each object, and lists of additional resources. Ages 10-up. (May)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9--A thorough if somewhat disjointed examination of the events before, during, and in the aftermath of the Stonewall Riots gives young readers an overview of the LGBTQ+ activism of the 1950s and 1960s. Pitman traces meeting places, social clubs, and the rise of organizations and activist groups as well as the many police raids of gay establishments, focusing on the June 28, 1969, raid on the mob-owned Stonewall Inn. Due to a lack of documented accounts, use of pseudonyms, and conflicting reports, controversies remain over the actuality of events at Stonewall. Post-Stonewall, readers learn about the increase in radical groups and visibility that challenged negative attitudes and discrimination. Pitman occasionally expands the narrative focus to examine what was happening in various places around the country and to consider other issues and movements of the time, including weaknesses and missteps in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights. The unique approach of using various objects (matchbooks, leaflets, buttons, arrest records, photographs, and more, with many reproductions too small or low resolution to read) to guide, inform, and reconstruct the story of the riots prevents a smooth narrative flow and makes the text feel repetitive as it moves back and forth in time. Back matter includes a time line, notes, bibliography, and an index. VERDICT An important look at a major moment in American history. Readers will come to understand why the iconic Stonewall Inn is now on the National Register of Historic Places, a National Historic Landmark, and a National Monument.--Amanda MacGregor, Parkview Elementary School, Rosemount, MN

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Pitman's fresh storytelling brings emotion and depth to the history of a movement and the establishment that served as an epicenter for social change."—Publishers Weekly
Gayle E Pitman
Gayle E. Pitman, PhD, is a professor of psychology and women's studies at Sacramento City College. Her teaching and writing focuses on gender and sexual orientation, and she has worked extensively with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. She is the author of This Day in June, When You Look Out the Window, and Sewing the Rainbow. She lives in California. Visit her at www.gaylepitman.com and follow her on Facebook: @GaylePitmanAuthor, Twitter: @GaylePitman, and Instagram: @GaylePitman.

Christopher Lyles has illustrated numerous books for children, including When You Look Out the Window​, Grow Happy and Grow Grateful. Inspired by vintage graphics and antique surfaces, he uses collage and mixed media applications to create his art. He lives in Simsbury, CT. Visit him at chrislyles.tumblr.com and follow him on Facebook: @LylesDesigns, Twitter: @ChrisLyles, and Instagram: @ChrisLyles.

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781419737206
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Harry N. Abrams
Publication date
May 14, 2019
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF025210 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/20th Century
JNF053080 - Juvenile Nonfiction | LGBT
Library of Congress categories
History
United States
20th century
Gay men
Lesbians
SOCIAL SCIENCE / Gay Studies
Gay liberation movement
Stonewall Riots, New York, N.Y., 1969
HISTORY / North America

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