October 9, 2011
Children With LGBT Parents Welcome New Book
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Rainbow Rumpus has published "Pigeons Don't Float," the fifth book in its free series of LGBT-family fiction titles, at http://www.rainbowrumpus.org/htm/printable.htm
The downloadable books provide vital affirmation for children who have no other access to stories about LGBT-headed families in their communities.
"It's a relief to read about other kids with two moms," commented one child. According to the 2010 census, children with same-sex parents live in 96% of U.S. counties. The majority of parents who have downloaded the books previously owned no other books about families like theirs.
"Pigeons Don't Float" is the humorous story of Lilly, a girl with two moms, who loves family Sundays at the park. One Sunday while feeding the ducks, Lilly sees a pigeon float. No one believes her. Lilly figures out how to believe in herself with help from a friend.
An average of 60 books a month have been downloaded from the site in 2011, compared to 40 books a month when the series launched in 2010, a 33% increase. They are popular among children, parents, and educators. Each title includes a teacher's guide.
"It's so important that all children are able to see their families reflected in the books we have in the classroom," said one teacher. "Thanks so much for making this resource available."
Each book provides space on the interior pages for children to create their own illustrations. "We work to empower kids and teens to tell their own family stories," said Rainbow Rumpus Publisher Laura Matanah. "Creating illustrations is one way to do this. We also encourage kids and teens to send their writing and artwork to [email protected] or PO Box 6881, Minneapolis, MN 55406." Publication of the books is supported by individual donors and the Pfund foundation.
Rainbow Rumpus is the primary publisher of LGBT family fiction in the United States, publishing more new fiction each year than all other publishers combined. Noted authors Marion Dane Bauer (Newbery Award), Nancy Garden (Margaret A. Edwards Award), Gregory Maguire (author of Wicked), and Jacqueline Woodson (Newbery honor) sit on the organization's author advisory board.
Rainbow Rumpus' executive director, Laura Matanah, a former elementary school teacher, was named a top-ten educator in the United States by Curve, the nation's best-selling lesbian magazine. Visit www.rainbowrumpus.org for more information.
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
