Stonewall

Gr 8 Up—In 1969, it was illegal to be gay, and homosexuality was considered a mental illness. Gay people could not interact publicly without constant fear of being harassed, raided by the police, or even arrested. Then, one night in June of that year, everything changed. During a police raid of the Mafia-run Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City, the crowds of mostly young, gay men stood firm, refusing to be treated like second-class citizens any longer. The ensuing riot broke down barriers and served as a catalyst for more activism. Bausum brings this historical event to life in a way young adults will relate to, painting the time period clearly, and giving details that will engage all listeners. The title is somewhat misleading, because the work begins as an account of the the days leading up to, including, and after the Stonewall riots, but continues on to become a history of almost the entire gay rights movement. Tim Federle narrates the audiobook at a lively pace, sprinkling in unique character voices for every person quoted. This resource fills a unique niche in the nonfiction market as a history of gay rights specifically for young adults.