Cover Image: Super Gay

Super Gay

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Member Reviews

This very short graphic novel is titled “Super Gay”, but does focus primarily on pronouns.
I want to start off by saying I like the idea of this book very much and wish that there were more queer children’s books and graphic novels out there.
The book starts off by introducing pronouns, but ends with the main character describing her own relationship and struggles with “non-lovers” aka queerphobes. This made the novel seem inconsistent, as it did not have a singular focus, which would have been better for its shortness. Instead of switching from pronouns to relationships, the novel could have shown how to ask for pronouns or how to introduce yourself with them. It also should have shown that you can choose your own pronouns, those you identify with the most, maybe even introduce some neopronouns.
The main characters appears to be a superhero and claims to “protect against people who believe that love has to look a certain way”. However, we do not see her actually protecting anyone, which does not help the narrative. I do like the idea of a superhero explaining all things queer via graphic novels/picture books to children. I also think the superhero name “Super Gay” is great for this. This should be a series of books though, each having a different focus on one queer topic, e.g. one for pronouns, one for relationships, … The way the book currently is, it is trying to do too much at once and not doing anything fully, so in the end children may not actually learn from it.
In the blurb it states that this book is meant for those just learning how to read, especially for children. The language used might be too hard for beginners in some instances. Also, the text goes from rhyming to not rhyming at al back to it and so forth, which also makes the tone seem inconsistent, which can be off-putting, especially for people who are just beginning to read.
The illustrations are colorful, show a variety of people and were quite diverse. However, for each pronoun or pronoun-pair the illustration showed only one person instead of a variety of people, making it seem like people need to present a certain way if they want to use a certain pronoun, which we all know to not be the case.
Also, the illustrations only portrayed adults and maybe teenagers, but not children. As those are the target audience of this graphic novel, I believe they should be portrayed here as well. By only portraying adults, children may not be able to relate as much or maybe even think that only adults can choose their pronouns and they have to stick with those assigned to them.

All in all a good idea and concept, the book just tried to do too many things at once and ultimately failed to accomplish any of them completely. I believe with some revisions, this book could live up to its potential and become a success.

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I received an advance copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
Super Gay has a title that describes me perfectly. I read this to my little sister and she comprehended the story and easily. The book is amazing for little kids to have to help them be exposed to diversity.

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A very quick graphic novel entitled super gay; however it’s focus is primarily on Pronouns.

I feel this book could have been fleshed out more, as the use of one character per pronoun made it appear that a “She/Her” should look a certain way as opposed to a “They/Them”. It also doesn’t explain how or why people use pronouns, or how pronouns can be different to assigned sex at birth (or that there is a difference in biological sex or gender identity)

As a book for young people, this book could have benefited from more examples of using pronouns within sentences, or of how to appropriately ask pronouns - and to not assume someone’s pronouns.

More diversity in the illustrations could give a more open idyll of how pronouns are used by people to distinguish how they want to be referred to.

The short story at the end, regarding how they fell in love with someone who uses She/They pronouns could’ve been explored further, however the “I fell in love with ‘A’ She/They” could be slightly dehumanising. This story could’ve also been further fleshed out, too.

The Super Gay character appears to be a superhero, however there is no plot supporting this character concept.

There are some concepts that with more attention could provide a great informative book, it’s unfortunate that it feels rushed.

If this books intended audience is young children, I feel this could cause more confusion than education, and the childrens’ adults wouldn’t be well equipped if they only had this book to answer questions.

Two Stars as there are good intentions, it just didn’t come fully to fruition at the point of delivery.

Thank you to the Publisher & NetGalley for this ARC opportunity, I believe with revisions this book could be a success.

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Short, sweet, and did exactly what the author intended: educate children about LGBT+ identities. I would definitely purchase this for my nieces and nephews one day, especially in this day and age where accurate information isn't available in most schools.

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First of all, thank you for sending me a digital copy of this book. I was surprised because it was short. But it's a good book about pronouns for little kids so they can learn them. The drawings are cute and bright.
So if you want to start talking about pronouns to your kids, this book is perfect

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It is cute I have to say for kids to see the modern sexualities out there, thanks Netgalley and publisher!

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This was a quick picture book / graphic novel read. I wanted to give it a 5 stars but I honestly feel like it fell short. I love the colourful artwork but don’t really know who the target audience was for this.
I feel like it was too vague for a young audience, and don’t think it would be a good read to teach young people about pronouns.
But didn’t have enough substance for an older audience, or people who are very familiar with different pronouns.
The artwork was really nice, but the story / information was lacking.
I gave it a 4 in the end because I love encouraging LGBTQIA+ reads regardless.

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Cute story! It was only 12 pages so there wasn't much content, or even a plot line. It is more just art work and a solid reminder to tell people to respect pronouns. I too, am super gay so I think I was expecting a little bit more meat from the description I read.

ARC provided from Netgalley.

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The title instantly drew me in and made me cackle (in a good way). I really love the illustrations and the inclusivity of them but it’s sad there’s no disabled folk included. It’s a simplistic but awesome way to introduce gender identity and sexuality to kids. Definitely good for those of primary school age.

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This book identifies the different pronouns, but it doesn’t explain what they are or how there can be “combo” pronouns like he/they. There is a “superhero,” but they don’t do anything, and there’s no conflict. This isn’t a picture book, per say, but it’s not for elementary-aged kids either. It’s just a big 🤷‍♀️

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The book is simple, with simple images, but with a very important and well-crafted message. Would recommend for parents and children.

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The goals of this book are quite admirable: teach readers about pronouns and why they matter. The illustrations are accessible and approachable. Unfortunately, the book just falls flat. It doesn't really help educate readers and the text isn't engaging.

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Doesn’t feel finished. It’s also doesn’t explain anything just has pronouns. Unsure of the age group it’s for. It would promote discussion but not give the answers.

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I got an ARC of this book.

I wanted to love this book, but it just felt way too short. Nothing happened. It was cute, but there was nothing of substance that happened. No plot, no interactive parts. Instead it just named pronouns. It could have been a board book instead of a picture book. There was no reason that Super Gay was a superhero or how she got that name. There just wasn't anything that made this something fun for me.

I liked the colors and the art for the most part. I would have liked more diversity in body sizes.

This review probably has more words than the book at this point.

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I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book at first, but I really enjoyed it. The story is about being a superhero and using proper pronouns. I wasn't sure if "super gay" was a good title because of the negative phrase "thats so gay" but to consider someone super as in a superhero I think that is actually a really positive title.

As a grade 3 teacher, I am starting to see younger and younger students, some even in my grade level who are questioning their gender identities and learning to express their true selves. This means that it is even more important that teachers and families speak with young children about these terms and concepts early on so that when their classmates begin to explore non-hetero identities they are ready to accept them for who they are. Books like this one need to keep being made, purchased and read over and over in schools and in homes. I look forward to purchasing a copy for my classroom once it is published.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this great book!

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Super Gay is super cute! This quick read gives young readers a very brief insight into learning about different pronouns. There isn't a story to follow, just colorful images with possible pronouns on each page. Pronouns are presented in a positive way without additional information to assist readers in understanding differences of the pronouns and why they are all important.

Special thanks to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Obviously unfinished comic. If it’s not unfinished then it could use a little more work and context. It’s a bit too simple. I can appreciate the topic and the bright colours but that’s about it.

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I'm unfortunately not that impressed by this book. Pronouns are great, but pages just saying "she/they!" "he/him!" "they/them!" are not helpful when they are completely divorced from context. Obviously this is a children's book, but it was extremely short, and I definitely think there could have been,,,even 5 more pages that had a little more explanation. They/Them doesn't mean anything to kid--they need examples with sentences and an explanation of what pronouns even are, and that unfortunately wasn't included.

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This was so on the nose it felt almost homophobic with how stereotype based it was. Better books out there say more and say it better.

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Firstly I want to say how truly amazing the illustrations are in this book! I also think the theme of the book is incredible.

Despite wonderful illustrations and messaging, I felt there just wasn't a lot of content. I think the author could have expanded on the concept of the book. I know it's geared towards young readers, which is amazing! But it just didn't feel like enough was there to warrant a higher rating.

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