Bee reviewed Sylvia and Marsha by Joy Michael Ellison
Review of 'Sylvia and Marsha' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
’Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution’ is a brilliant introduction for children both to the events at the Stonewall Inn that would begin the change in both the US and across the world over LGBTQAI+ rights and to the lives of Sylvia Riviera and Marsha P. Johnson.
The illustrations are bright and full of character enabling younger readers to follow the story and I loved them. I can easily imagine showing it to a younger child and explaining to them the events of Stonewall and why it was indeed a Revolution.
Although there isn't a lot of text, there is enough to guide the tale along and I liked how ’Here comes Alice in the Blue Dress’ was used as the Police were called by several names including ’Alice Blue Gown’. The author has in this simple concept shown how careful Homosexual men and Transgender women had to be to …
’Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution’ is a brilliant introduction for children both to the events at the Stonewall Inn that would begin the change in both the US and across the world over LGBTQAI+ rights and to the lives of Sylvia Riviera and Marsha P. Johnson.
The illustrations are bright and full of character enabling younger readers to follow the story and I loved them. I can easily imagine showing it to a younger child and explaining to them the events of Stonewall and why it was indeed a Revolution.
Although there isn't a lot of text, there is enough to guide the tale along and I liked how ’Here comes Alice in the Blue Dress’ was used as the Police were called by several names including ’Alice Blue Gown’. The author has in this simple concept shown how careful Homosexual men and Transgender women had to be to avoid arrest.
My only criticism I have about the story itself is it paints an unrealistic history. The Stonewall Rebellion or Riots lasted for six days, and the book implies heavily that it was one and then everything on Christopher Street, Greenwich was back to normal the next day. This is far from accurate but I do understand that the full story is a difficult one.
At the end of the book is a glossary of terms which will help anyone who isn't certain of what certain terminology means, not just children. I can see how the whole book will open the eyes to children and their families and will open up a conversation that may never happen otherwise.
With activity suggestions like a protest sign or a crown like Marsha? This book is a must in any school or home to teach children about a globally historic moment.