Gr 7–10—From bisexual bonobos to intersex deer to lesbian albatrosses, Schrefer skillfully outlines the wide variety
of sexual diversity found in the animal kingdom and the functions of different animal sexual behaviors beyond basic
reproduction. A captivating scientific work but, more importantly, a necessary and affirming message of love and
acceptance.

This was SO GOOD. I immediately recommended it to a bunch of my friends and family. So much information in this book was new to me -- it's almost embarrassing that I didn't know this stuff. That is until I remembered that non-heterosexual behavior in zoological research has been intentionally suppressed for hundreds of years. ( )

We’re taught the natural order means male-female pairs for each animal on Earth. Darwin’s theory of natural selection only seems to confirm it—aren’t heterosexual pairings the best way forward for any species? But there’s more to the story than most of us know.
A quiet revolution has been underway in recent years, with study after study revealing substantial same-sex sexual behavior in animals. Join celebrated author Eliot Schrefer on an exploration of queer behavior in the animal world—from albatrosses to bonobos to clownfish to doodlebugs.
In sharp and witty prose—aided by humorous comics from artist Jules Zuckerberg—Schrefer uses science, history, anthropology, and sociology to illustrate the diversity of sexual behavior in the animal world. Interviews with researchers in the field offer additional insights for readers and aspiring scientists. ( )

This was not in my normal realm of books to read, but it came up a year ago when it was discussed as possibly being inappropriate reading for a school library. I didn't read it then, just didn't seem that interesting. But now it has been brouight up as part of a removal process for a local school, so I thought I should know what they're talking about. I found it informative, easy to read, and thought provoking. Maybe something we should all read. It would maybe slightly dull for the average kid. But if one were looking to understand their own differences, then yes it might be just the thing.
I was somewhat blown away with the implication of scientific research being aware of queer animal behavior and not including it in research papers, with the suggestion that no one would support such research then. ( )

I learned a lot reading this book and feel like I added so many animal facts to my personal knowledge. I hadn't really considered animal sexuality previously. The book focuses on a different animal and behaviors in each chapter. Between chapters are interviews with practicing scientists. Each chapter begins with a comic page about the chapter ahead.
In addition to zoology, marine biology, and other sciences, connections are drawn with history and human behavior. Cleverly constructed, informative, and thought provoking. ( )