A kid deals with homophobic grandparents' treatment of his uncle and his uncle's partner. A nice story if you're ready to introduce children to the concept of homophobia and prejudice. ( )

My Two Uncles is the story of a little girl who learns why her Grandfather doesn't invite her Uncle's 'roommate' to family events and how her Grandfather slowly begins to inch closer to accepting the relationship in the end. I feel this book handled the very real scenario of homophobia among family members very well. I particularly liked how the author left the story open ended, with just a glimmer of hope for the Uncle and Grandpa's relationship. As someone who was neither accepted nor kicked out of the house for being gay, I find it refreshing to see a flawed gay child/unaccepting parent relationship that still manages to try. Yes, the two didn't completely reconcile in the book, but it was still evident that they cared for each other. I'm not saying it is okay to treat a child poorly and deny their identity- no matter how old the 'child' may be. I just hate seeing only two polar extremes represented when people are so much more complex than that. ( )

My Two Uncles is a story told by the narrator we know as Elly. Elly is excited to share her love for her two favorite uncles – Uncle Ned and Uncle Phil. Unfortunately, Elly’s Grandfather is not so excited about his son Ned’s significant other Phil, and he makes it clear that he doesn’t want Ned to bring Phil to his fiftieth wedding anniversary party. Elly doesn’t understand why her grandfather doesn’t want uncle Phil at the party, and Elly’s father explains to Elly that because Uncle Ned is gay it’s hard for her grandfather to accept that. I thought it was beautiful that Elly being a young child couldn’t see what the big deal about her two uncles being together was, she was just glad they were happy together and wanted them both there. Towards the ending of the story, we see a possible change in Elly’s grandfather’s attitude. After Elly's grandfather and his wife opened up their special gift from his son Ned, it seems as his thoughts began to change. While doing a toast, Elly’s grandfather says – “And to Ned, who chose not to be here today because of a stubborn old man, but who is loved by us all”. At this moment, it seems that Grandfather is making light of the situation calling himself stubborn. At the end of the book, when Elly’s Grandmother stops by Uncle Ned’s house to thank him, Uncle Ned and Uncle Phil look out the window and Grandfather looking up smiling and waving, which signifies a possible new beginning for the family and a change in Grandfather. I enjoyed this story, and I feel as if it’s an important issue that shouldn’t be an issue. Although everyone’s belief system is different, this book shows that love is love no matter what, and even children are able to see that. ( )

Elly is a little girl who loves spending time with her Uncle Ned and his partner Phil. Elly's grandparents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and her Uncle Ned and Uncle Phil help her build a gift for them. Elly's grandfather soon finds out that Uncle Ned wants to bring Uncle Phil with him and it causes an argument to unfold, which confuses Elly. Elly's father then explains to her what being gay and lesbian means, how her grandfather isn't accepting of it and doesn't want to invite Uncle Phil. Her father makes sure to tell her that even though her grandfather feels this way, it doesn't mean it is right. Uncle Ned then makes it known he doesn't want to go without Uncle Phil and just drops off the present so Elly can give it to her grandparents. When her grandparents open the present, they loved it and her grandfather realized the effects of him not accepting Uncle Phil. The book ends with Elly's grandmother going to say thank you to Elly, Uncle Ned, and Uncle Phil for the present. Elly's grandfather stays outside and instead of approaching them, just waves at them from afar. Even though it doesn't end with the grandfather being completely accepting of his son and his relationship, it shows that he is taking a step in the direction of acceptance. Overall, this book is great for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade to learn about what homosexuality means and how to be respectful and accepting of it. This book introduces children to the fact that there are sexualities other than heterosexuality and pushes them into a positive direction to be openminded. ( )

Despite having been written in 1995, I felt this was a great book to address the topic of homosexuality and how it can affect familial relationships. That the grandfather doesn't completely come around enough to come into the uncles' house at the end is a little disappointing, but probably more realistic. I think the use of proper and precise vocabulary was wonderful too. I would probably have this book in my library. This would be another great book to talk about family relationships. The reading level is probably somewhere around 3rd grade or so, and I would say the interest level would be around K-5. ( )