# Talk:Julián Is a Mermaid

I've added the "Criticism" section today. Although I think it's important to highlight some of those criticism levied against the book and its author for balance, I'm not sure the sources would fall under reliable, and since I've found so few compared to praise, it might be seen as undue weight. I thought it would be relevant to explain why I added it. Isabelle 🔔 18:29, 25 September 2020 (UTC)

This review is transcluded from Talk:Julián is a Mermaid/GA1. The edit link for this section can be used to add comments to the review.
Reviewer: Whiteguru (talk · contribs) 01:34, 26 September 2020 (UTC)

Starts the Good Article Review. The review will follow the same sections of the article. 
 


### Lead
Is it reasonably well written?
The lead is concise and gives an important consideration re the composition of the book - a mix of watercolor, gouache and ink in the paintings.


### Plot
Is it reasonably well written?
The plot is given straight forward and simply.
The grandmother giving the necklace with a smile is an important affirmation of gender non-conformity.


### Development
Is it reasonably well written?
Well scribed. Might this contain a quote from the pink news page, giving explanation why mermaids are so important to trans children?


### Influences
Is it reasonably well written?
A simple narration of the queer influences upon the author. Simple, yet striking.


### Reception
Is it reasonably well written?
Reception by some important sources (Booklist, School Librarian) are included, illustrating reaction to the topic, and positive reaction to the mix of watercolor, gouache and ink creating a watery atmosphere. A good inclusion.


### Criticism
Is it reasonably well written?
I am not altogether sure that this section is necessary. In a sense, it is a form of perverse discrimination, and in some respects even a strawman criticism of the author because she is not of the LGBTIQA+ community.  Finger pointing like this is not necessary, nor should it be honoured by inclusion. Recommend: dropping this section.


### Awards and Accolades
Is it reasonably well written?
A simple statement of awards from different reader groups, and it is good to include the Society of Illustrators due the material composition of this book. It achieves a simple, childlike affirmation of gender non-conformity.


### End Matter
It is Broad in its coverage?
This is a children's illustrated story of a young boy who explores his desire to be a Mermaid.
Readers from the LGBTIQA+ communities give it awards for its simplicity and sensibility for young people who experience gender dysphoria.
So in this sense, YES, it is broad in its coverage and useful - a one librarian told - for a one-on-one or a group discussion.
Works Cited: all examined. Notability is established.
It follows the neutral point of view policy:

Is it stable?
Page is created on 23 September and has had 163 page views since then. It has received a total of 20 edits from 5 human authors, and there are 50 links to this page. There is no evidence of edit warring; considered a stable page.
It is illustrated by images :  yes, a book cover within the WP:NFCC.
Overall:  Y GA Pass

Thanks for the fair assessment, Whiteguru! I agree with what you said about the "Criticism" section, though I added it due to prickly issue that cultural appropriation and it seemed somewhat relevant, though I agree there aren't enough reliable sources to warrant talking about it.
With regards to the "Development", I've added a quote by the author. I also thought about adding the following sentence, but I wasn't sure if it would be a good addition (since it's not the author's point of view, but simply a commentary by a third party): "The interviewer, Josh Jackman, also highlighted the story of The Little Mermaid, who desires to change her body, as well as the United Kingdom based charity, Mermaids, which fights for the rights of trans children." Maybe it would make for a good addition to the "Themes" section, now that I think about it.
Thanks again! Isabelle 🔔 14:44, 29 September 2020 (UTC)