Teaching LGBTQIA+ History Through Young Adult Literature

This chapter explores the use of a text set to teach about the Stonewall Uprising, a key moment in American LGBTQIA+ and civil rights history in a collaborative English-language arts and social studies setting. The authors describe the use of a picture book to preview the events of Stonewall and discuss the historical perspective, followed by an exploration of a YA nonfiction text featuring primary sources from the event. The featured YA novel highlights contemporary connections and issues, laying the foundation for a leveled approach to advocacy that is intended to build upon students’ strengths and honor their confidence and readiness for civic action.