When You Look Out the Window: How Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin Built a Community - Hardcover

Pitman, Gayle E.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1433827360 ISBN 13: 9781433827365

Publisher: Magination Press, 2017

Synopsis

When You Look Out the Window tells the story of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, one of San Francisco's most well-known and politically active lesbian couples. Describing the view from Phyllis and Del's window, this book shows how one couple's activism transformed their community — and had ripple effects throughout the world.

Includes a Reading Guide that provides helpful historical context, and a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators about the importance of teaching LGBTQ history and culture to children.

This is a unique way to introduce children to untold stories in history while also being a clever tribute to two notable women.

From the Reading Guide:

Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin were one of San Francisco’s most well-known and politically active lesbian couples. They met in 1950, and moved in together on February 14, 1953 (Valentine’s Day!). The house they shared for 53 years—and where Phyllis still lives today—located at the top of Castro Street, has a big picture window that overlooks the entire city. Each of the landmarks described in the story is part of the view from their house. Phyllis and Del left their mark on each of these sites, and they are described below.

From the Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators:

People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ) are more visible and accepted in our society than ever before. However, anyone who wants to learn about LGBTQ history and culture will probably have to search for that information on their own. Many students have never learned anything about LGBTQ history. They may not have realized that some of the authors whose works they read (or whose works were read to them) were LGBTQ. They may not know that major discoveries and contributions to the fields of science, mathematics, and technology were made by LGBTQ people. And they may not be aware of the ways in which LGBTQ people have been oppressed, and what they did to fight back against it.

About this title

About the Author

Gayle E. Pitman, PhD, is a professor of psychology and women's studies at Sacramento City College. Her teaching and writing focuses on gender and sexual orientation, and she has worked extensively with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

Christopher Lyles has illustrated numerous books for children. Inspired by vintage graphics and antique surfaces, he uses collage and mixed media applications to create his art. He lives in a quiet New England town surrounded by wilderness. When he is not creating picture books, he enjoys spending time with his family and hiking the surrounding woods.

Review

“Extensive information about Lyon and Martin’s activism, marriage equality, and San Francisco itself (contained in a readers’ note) offers a useful overview of LGBTQ history and women’s rights.” —Publishers Weekly

“A great conversation starter and a rare non-fiction book about LGBTQ equality for the younger age group.” —Bay Windows

“A unique and entertaining way to introduce children ages 4 to 8 to untold stories in history while also being a clever tribute to two notable women.” —Midwest Book Review

"A refreshing picture book biography of two prominent active lesbians, Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin. Looking out their window, they see how San Francisco has changed over the years since they first stepped in the city. A Reader’s Note gives additional information why these places are significant and how Lyon and Martin contributed to LGBTQ- and particularly lesbian- activism. Great backmatter material also showcases why reading about LGBTQ history is important." —Chronicles of a Children's Book Writer

“We need these histories, and I’m glad we have such a creative and capable author bringing them to life.” —RaiseThemRighteous

About this edition

• Publisher: Magination Press
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1433827360
• ISBN 13: 9781433827365
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Lyles Christopher