Jun 1, 2023
SHOW NOTES: https://jewishbooks.blogspot.com/2023/06/pride-month-special-with-aj-sass.html
It's June and that means LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the perfect time to talk to author A.J. Sass. Andrew Sass is known for writing middle grade books featuring respectful portrayals of trans and nonbinary characters, with neurodivergent and casual Jewish representation included as well. I was excited to talk with them about a few books: debut novel Ana on the Edge from 2020, Ellen Outside the Lines, which was a 2023 Sydney Taylor Honor Book, and the new Camp QUILTBAG, co-written with Nicole Melleby. I thoroughly enjoyed all of these thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt books.
Over half of the books currently being
challenged by bigoted extremists are targeted for their LGBTQ+
content. In support of the queer Jewish community, for Pride
Month I will post an LGBTQ+ Jewish kidlit title each day in June on
The Book of Life's Facebook page at Facebook.com/Bookoflifepodcast.
It should go without saying that gender identity and/or age
appropriate sexual content does not automatically equal porn or
obscenity. Children and teens are human beings who have bodies
and experience age-appropriate sexual feelings,
and sometimes they need books that will help them understand their
bodies and feelings more fully. Queer books save lives, and I'll be proud to
share with you excellent examples of queer Jewish representation
all month long.
LEARN MORE:
Visit the SHOW NOTES to find a transcript and more!