Alice Austen Lived Here
by Alex Gino (Author)
From the award-winning author of George, a phenomenal novel about queerness past, present, and future.
Sam is very in touch with their own queer identity. They're nonbinary, and their best friend, TJ, is nonbinary as well. Sam's family is very cool with it... as long as Sam remembers that nonbinary kids are also required to clean their rooms, do their homework, and try not to antagonize their teachers too much. The teacher-respect thing is hard when it comes to Sam's history class, because their teacher seems to believe that only Dead Straight Cis White Men are responsible for history.
When Sam's home borough of Staten Island opens up a contest for a new statue, Sam finds the perfect non-DSCWM subject: photographer Alice Austen, whose house has been turned into a museum, and who lived with a female partner for decades. Soon, Sam's project isn't just about winning the contest. It's about discovering a rich queer history that Sam's a part of -- a queer history that no longer needs to be quiet, as long as there are kids like Sam and TJ to stand up for it.
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Publishers Weekly
When Staten Island ("a place known for ways to leave it") holds a contest for a new statue of a local historical figure, white seventh grader Sam Marino and their best friend, tan-skinned TJ, both nonbinary, design a statue of lesbian photographer Alice Austen, a turn-of-the-century Staten Island resident. As Sam researches Austen, they find another personal connection: not only was Austen queer, she once lived in Sam's apartment. It's proof that queer people have always existed, and Sam wants everyone to know--especially their history teacher, who only seems to be interested in DSCWM ("Dead Straight Cisgender White Men"). With the help of their largely white neighbors, including femme 28-year-old Jess, with whom Sam discusses being "fat and fabulous," and 82-year-old lesbian Ms. Hansen, they gain a deeper understanding of queer community. Gino (You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!) provides a memorable protagonist in confident, stubborn Sam, whose enthusiasm for Austen's legacy--and the importance of queer history--is infectious. Sam has a strong understanding of institutional racism, and conversations with their older queer friends often center around intersectional oppression. A late interpersonal conflict feels tacked-on, but the solid representation in this novel offers a testament to the power of intergenerational queer community. Ages 9-12. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary. (Apr.)
Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Praise for You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!:
* Gino's sophomore effort is every bit as affecting and important as their first novel, George. — School Library Journal, starred review
* [You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!'s] thoughtful handling of characters and dynamics offers fodder for further discussion about privilege in all its forms. — Publishers Weekly, starred review
* A necessary and rewarding addition to any middle-grade collection. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Praise for George:
Winner of the Children's Stonewall Award
Winner of the Lambda Literary Award
A Children's Choice Book Awards Debut Author
* Profound, moving, and — as Charlotte would say — radiant, this book will stay with anyone lucky enough to find it. — Publishers Weekly, starred review
* Warm, funny, and inspiring. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* There is pain in George, but not without the promise of a better tomorrow. — School Library Journal, starred review
* George is an appealing, thoroughly believable character and her best friend Kelly adds humor and zest. — Booklist, starred review
Alex Gino loves glitter, ice cream, gardening, awe-ful puns, and stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of being alive. Their first novel, Melissa, was a winner of the Children's Stonewall Award, the Lambda Literary Award, and the Children's Choice Book Award. For more about Alex, please visit them at alexgino.com.
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
Schools
Middle schools
Contests
Gender identity
JUVENILE FICTION / General
Sexual minorities
Monuments
Novels
Gender-nonconforming people
Staten Island (New York, N.Y.)
Austen, Alice
