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All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages
Brief summary:
"All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages" is an anthology of short stories edited by Saundra Mitchell. The book was published in 2018 and features a collection of historical fiction stories that center on LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) teenagers throughout different time periods and cultures.
The book aims to shed light on the experiences of queer individuals throughout history, showcasing their struggles, triumphs, and relationships. Each story is set in a different time and place, ranging from ancient Greece to the American Civil War to the 20th century. The diverse range of settings and characters highlights the rich tapestry of queer history and existence, often in times and places where LGBTQ+ identities were heavily stigmatized or suppressed.
One of the main goals of "All Out" is to provide representation and visibility to LGBTQ+ youth by presenting them with relatable characters and stories from different historical contexts. By doing so, it offers readers the opportunity to connect with the experiences of queer individuals across time and cultures, fostering empathy and understanding.
The book has been well-received for its approach to highlighting LGBTQ+ history and the importance of representation in literature. However, like many works that address LGBTQ+ themes and identities, "All Out" has faced challenges and attempts at censorship in some schools and communities by those who object to its content. This underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the banning or restriction of books that address LGBTQ+ issues and the importance of preserving access to diverse literature that reflects the realities and experiences of different communities. People who oppose book banning argue that it stifles intellectual freedom and hinders the development of empathy and understanding, while those who support it often cite concerns related to age-appropriateness or conflicting with their personal beliefs.