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

by Gayle E Pitman (Author) Christopher Lyles (Illustrator)

When You Look Out the Window: How Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin Built a Community
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Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
cms Common Sense Media Review

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.

cms Common Sense Media Review
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Publishers Weekly

In a book that's less biography than portrait of change, Pitman (This Day in June) imagines LGBTQ activists Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin looking out their window at the city of San Francisco. Readers won't learn much about the couple from the primary narrative, which contrasts the past ("So many women who didn't have rights") and present ("We see open doors. We see women who can do anything") while highlighting local landmarks and buildings. In patchwork collages, Lyles (Lucy and Lila) conjures a bustling, inclusive city. Extensive information about Lyon and Martin's activism, marriage equality, and San Francisco itself (contained in a readers' guide) offers a useful overview of LGBTQ history and women's rights. Ages 4-8. (June)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"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

When You Look Out the Window
"The text in this book is effortless, and it shows children how if you see a problem, you have the power to fix it and make your community a better place for everyone." —No Time for Flash Cards
Gayle E Pitman
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. She is the author of This Day in June, When You Look Out the Window, and Sewing the Rainbow. She lives in California. Visit her at www.gaylepitman.com and follow her on Facebook: @GaylePitmanAuthor, Twitter: @GaylePitman, and Instagram: @GaylePitman.

Christopher Lyles has illustrated numerous books for children, including When You Look Out the Window​, Grow Happy and Grow Grateful. Inspired by vintage graphics and antique surfaces, he uses collage and mixed media applications to create his art. He lives in Simsbury, CT. Visit him at chrislyles.tumblr.com and follow him on Facebook: @LylesDesigns, Twitter: @ChrisLyles, and Instagram: @ChrisLyles.

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781433827365
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Magination Press
Publication date
June 20, 2017
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF025210 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/20th Century
JNF025180 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/State & Local
Library of Congress categories
Description and travel
California
San Francisco (Calif.)
San Francisco
Lyon, Phyllis
Martin, Del
Lesbian couples

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