An inviting overview of an enduring treasury of myth and tradition.
Celtic mythology, while less widely known than Greek or Norse myths, is equally compelling.
Nardo begins by briefly introducing readers to the history of the early Celtic tribes. Their origins remain a mystery, but they likely emerged in central Europe; the British Isles became their “last major stronghold,” and they later converted to Christianity. Many of their stories were written down by Christian scribes and distorted in the process. The author then concisely covers Celtic “myths of beginnings,” love stories, heroes, and mythical creatures. The final chapter focuses on the legend of King Arthur. The story of the Tuatha De Danann introduces the sky gods who reigned in Ireland before retreating to a spirit realm. Readers will appreciate the vivid stories, such as that of the warrior Culhwch, whose father was the Welsh king Cilydd and whose mother was an evil witch, and the struggles he faced in marrying his beloved Olwen, the daughter of a controlling giant. Nardo recognizes Celtic women in mythology, including heroes like Macha of Ulster and Medb, the queen of Connacht (the historical figure of Boudicca doesn’t appear). The chapter on supernatural creatures includes leprechauns, banshee, kelpies, and serpents. Abundant illustrations reminiscent of Victorian and Edwardian children’s books strike a romantic note. Readers might wish for a pronunciation guide. The writing is clear, and Nardo wrestles his immense subject into accessible introductory bits.
An inviting overview of an enduring treasury of myth and tradition. (source notes, for further research, index, picture credits) (Nonfiction. 13-18)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2025
ISBN: 9781678210724
Page Count: 64
Publisher: ReferencePoint Press
Review Posted Online: Aug. 2, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Small but mighty necessary reading.
A miniature manifesto for radical queer acceptance that weaves together the personal and political.
Eli, a cis gay white Jewish man, uses his own identities and experiences to frame and acknowledge his perspective. In the prologue, Eli compares the global Jewish community to the global queer community, noting, “We don’t always get it right, but the importance of showing up for other Jews has been carved into the DNA of what it means to be Jewish. It is my dream that queer people develop the same ideology—what I like to call a Global Queer Conscience.” He details his own isolating experiences as a queer adolescent in an Orthodox Jewish community and reflects on how he and so many others would have benefitted from a robust and supportive queer community. The rest of the book outlines 10 principles based on the belief that an expectation of mutual care and concern across various other dimensions of identity can be integrated into queer community values. Eli’s prose is clear, straightforward, and powerful. While he makes some choices that may be divisive—for example, using the initialism LGBTQIAA+ which includes “ally”—he always makes clear those are his personal choices and that the language is ever evolving.
Small but mighty necessary reading. (resources) (Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 2, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-09368-9
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
Though not the most balanced, an enlightening look back for the queer future.
An adaptation for teens of the adult title A Queer History of the United States (2011).
Divided into thematic sections, the text filters LGBTQIA+ history through key figures in each era from the 1500s to the present. Alongside watershed moments like the 1969 Stonewall uprising and the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, the text brings to light less well-known people, places, and events: the 1625 free love colony of Merrymount, transgender Civil War hero Albert D.J. Cashier, and the 1951 founding of the Mattachine Society, to name a few. Throughout, the author and adapter take care to use accurate pronouns and avoid imposing contemporary terminology onto historical figures. In some cases, they quote primary sources to speculate about same-sex relationships while also reminding readers of past cultural differences in expressing strong affection between friends. Black-and-white illustrations or photos augment each chapter. Though it lacks the teen appeal and personable, conversational style of Sarah Prager’s Queer, There, and Everywhere (2017), this textbook-level survey contains a surprising amount of depth. However, the mention of transgender movements and activism—in particular, contemporary issues—runs on the slim side. Whereas chapters are devoted to over 30 ethnically diverse gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer figures, some trans pioneers such as Christine Jorgensen and Holly Woodlawn are reduced to short sidebars.
Though not the most balanced, an enlightening look back for the queer future. (glossary, photo credits, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 11, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-8070-5612-7
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Beacon Press
Review Posted Online: March 12, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
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