Uncle What is it? Came to Visit

Title: Uncle What is it? Came to Visit

Written by: Michelle Willhoite



Summary: Two children are excited because their uncle is coming to visit. They find out that their uncle is gay, but they do not know what the word gay means. They ask a couple of boys in the town what the word gay means and they get some silly answers. First the boys tell the children that their uncle is going to be wearing women’s clothes and acting like a women. Then they tell the children that he will be wearing leather and chains. The children end up meeting their uncle who loves baseball and is great at cake decorating. In the end the children love their uncle for everything that he is.

            I think this is a great book. Although I could see how it could be deemed as a controversial book, I think it is a great way to start a conversation about the sensitive topic of homosexuality. The book uses some intense language such as “faggot” and “fruity”. These terms would need to be addressed. I was completely shocked when I came across the word “faggot” in this children’s book. Although it is hard to say out loud I think it is beneficial for a teacher to discuss in the class room. Students need to understand why we do not use words such like this. They need to be taught that it is not right, and it is hurtful. If we ignore these ideas in our classroom we are not doing our duty as a teacher. I thought it was interesting how the boys showed the children a picture from the newspaper. The title of the story read “Gay Pride Parade” and there was a picture of a man with fruit on his head wearing a skirt. This would be a great time to talk about how the newspaper is depicting the gay pride parade. Students could discuss this imagine and if they believe it is a correct depiction of what the parade is trying to represent.   I especially liked how at the end of the book when Uncle Brett comes to visit he says that someone who is gay can be who ever they want to be even if that includes chains and zippers.