THIS DAY IN JUNE written by Gayle E. Pitman and illustrated by Kristyna Litten

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Pitman, Gayle E. This Day in June. Ill. by Kristyna Litten. Washington, DC: Magination Press, 2014. ISBN 1433816598

PLOT SUMMARY

Written in rhyming couplets, this book acknowledges the pride parades that took place in June of 1969 and the parades that have taken place since then. Information about LGBT history and culture is included at the end.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This picture book reflects the LGBT community in a lively, celebratory way. The rhyming text is kept simple, yet engaging. It serves as a means of helping all readers understand how to accept others for who they are, also allowing children to ask questions as part of meaningful conversations. Although the contents of this book may not align with the values of all families, parents and educators are able to choose the appropriate direction and extent to which they take these discussions. This gives students the important opportunity to understand differences among people, as with other multicultural books. The Reading Guide is filled with facts about the LGBT culture, and each piece of information is categorized by the couplets throughout the book. The Note to Parents and Caregivers suggests how to approach topics such as sexual orientation and gender variance in a suitable way for different age groups.

With few words on each page, readers are instantly engulfed in the many details on the page. The illustrations are essential to the message of this book, accurately portraying a pride parade. The vivid artwork is richly colorful and highlights diversity. The parade seems to include everyone, and shows each person expressing their individuality. People of all sorts of looks are a part of this event including the young, old, parents, and kids. Regardless, everyone is presented in such a positive, non-stereotypical way placing value on diversity. Books like This Day in June steer away from negativity that may result in intolerance or bullying. A particularly great aspect of this book is that it seems to focus on all people, rather than a particular group, offering a sense of unity.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Winner of the 2015 ALA Stonewall Book Award
A Top Ten Title, 2015 Rainbow List
Winner, 2015 Notable Books for a Global Society Awards

From Publisher’s Weekly: “Pitman, in her first book for children, salutes the LGBT parades that take place across the U.S. in June. Her couplets keep things marching steadily forward, but it’s Litten’s artwork that creates a sense of joyous excitement and showcases the diversity on display.”

From School Library Journal: “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.” 

CONNECTIONS

Gather other inclusive picture books to read such as:

Badacchino, Christine. Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress. Ill. by Isabelle Malenfant. ISBN 1554983479

Herthel, Jessica & Jennings, Jazz. I Am Jazz. Ill. by Shelagh McNicholas. ISBN 0803741073

Possible activities:

Find additional resources with information about particular events, such as the Stonewall riots, that led to the gay liberation movement.

Using the information in the Reading Guide, create a timeline of LGBT history and events from the 1960’s to the present.

Utilize the Note to Parents and Caregivers to facilitate purposeful conversations in connection with this book.