What You Don't Know: A Story of Liberated Childhood

"Like its protagonist, this thick picture book with an unusually small trim defies stereotype.

Demetrius, a queer Black kid whose “superpower” is “sensitivity,” feels “free” only before kindergarten. For years after that, schoolkids taunt Demetrius with homophobic slurs (represented with

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asterisks), and even some teachers bully Demetrius for wearing flowered clothes and giggling with girls. The unconditional acceptance of family feels far away as “scared [and] scarred” people terrorize the child. Demetrius’ fiercely protective mother confronts those who criticize her child’s gender expression, frequently with profanity (also asterisked in dialogue) and even in church, which she abandons after telling a woman there to mind her own business. During a church daydream, Demetrius converses midair with Black Jesus about love of all kinds—a conversation interrupted (still in the daydream) by Billy Porter, Tony winner for the Broadway musical Kinky Boots and Emmy winner for his role as Pray Tell in FX’s Pose, a drama about New York’s gender-norm–defying ballroom culture. Demetrius’ father also unfailingly affirms his child, as do some adults at school along with schoolmate and podcast partner Moxie, who’s also a queer kid of color. With minimal text per page, this book feels handmade, from the lettering to the eclectic collages, composed of photos, fabrics, hair, sequins, and more. Characters resemble paper dolls and often appear identical on consecutive pages, which sometimes creates an odd sense of stasis that slows the story’s momentum. Nevertheless, queer parents and kids alike will appreciate the book’s uplifting message.

A visually rich story that speaks truth to power for LGBTQ+ kids and their families and allies. " Kirkus Reviews

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