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Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality
This informative, entertaining work shows how heteronormative bias in the human world led to the idea that heterosexuality was the norm in the animal world—an idea that scientists today prove over and over is incorrect. Humans, of course, are part of the animal world, and this account illuminates how queerness is normal among humans as well as other species. In the past, scientists often misinterpreted what they were regularly observing in various species, assuming that same-sex encounters were in fact two or more animals of the opposite sex, or that their activity was not sexual in nature. Some scientists knew exactly what they were seeing, but feared the repercussions of reporting it because of the cultural stigma against homosexuality. It’s fascinating to see how this has begun to change, thanks in part to changing attitudes and thanks in part to the work of scientists like the ones profiled as part of this compelling work. It’s also fascinating to see how cultural attitudes among humans toward same-sex relationships and gender identity have varied across cultures and time. This narrative packed with information on sexuality and gender among a variety of species is also packed with humor and warmth, the author’s personal anecdotes and engaging tone calling readers in. ©2023 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by Jules Zuckerberg
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 12 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
Animals (Informational)
Gender Identity
LGBTQ+ Persons
Nature/Environment
Science and Scientists
Sex and Sexuality
Diversity subject:
LGBTQ Non-Fiction
Publishers:
HarperCollins, Katherine Tegen Books
Publish Year: 2022
Pages: 225
ISBN: 9780063069497
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 591 Schrefer
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