My Two Uncles
Kindergarten-Grade 2?Elly and her family are excited about her grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration. As a special gift for the occasion, she helps her Uncle Ned and his partner Phil build a diorama. Later, the girl overhears an argument when her grandfather discovers that Ned wants to bring Phil to the party. Her father then explains why Grandpa is angry, telling Elly that he respects Ned and disagrees with Grandpa. Uncle Ned refuses to come to the party alone, and gives the gift to Elly to present. When Grandpa opens it, he expresses regret for having rejected his son. The rather ordinary, cartoon-style watercolor illustrations are a simple accompaniment to the story. There is a broad definition of homosexuality as love between two adults of the same sex, like that found in a traditional marriage; Vigna further notes that gay people cannot "make" someone else gay. The ending shows a growth of understanding between father and son that is neither exaggerated nor unrealistic. Parents seeking to explain a homosexual couple's relationship may find this book useful.?Virginia E. Jeschelnig, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OHCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.