So, listen up, queer youth: Do not let them disappear you. Learn yourself up (it could be a phrase; you don't know) about the role models and mentors who walked the path before us.
The story of Albert D.J. Cashier, a trans man who fought for the Union in the American Civil War was new to me. I was invested on page 1, when I learned that Cashier was Ireland-born. County Louth represent! (My family's from Clare, but nonetheless...)
Cashier served his country well in wartime. He earned the respect of his brothers-in-arms. In peace, he retired to a quiet life in Illinois. He wasn't looking for celebrity or to make a point about gender equality. He was an American.
Children's books can often be a springboard to discussions for YA or even adult readers. Sander's prose is written for the K-4 level, but what are some similarities between Cashier's motives and those of Billy Tipton or Charley Parkhurst? How about Shakespeare's Rosalind and Portia? How does gender intersect with race, class, education et al.? As the philosopher Linda Richman said, "Talk amongst yourselves."
Ali's artwork is a study in light. Whether in a room, on the battlefield, or on the heath of Clogherhead, the characters are always located according to a light source. I loved page 20, where Cashier stands before a sunrise.
Read. Enjoy. Discuss.
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