This book would let a child know that it is ok to be proud of who you are. That is why the suicide rate of LGBT teens is so high - not because they are gay, but because they are led to believe they are less than. Living with the knowledge that the people you love think what you’re feeling is wrong, bad or disgusting as a child can be devastating. I didn’t really understand it, but I did understand that it was not accepted. Looking back, I am sure that I have been gay my entire life. Some people have a hard time understanding that although children may not fully understand their sexuality, it still exists. It was written for children, has beautiful illustrations and addresses a topic that is important. MB: I wanted to attend the meeting and speak in favor of keeping the book in the children’s section because I feel strongly that children should have access to this book.

KP: What made you want to attend the meeting and speak in favor of keeping the book available in the children’s section?

MB: I contacted Gayle Pitman because I thought that if I was an author and my book was the subject of an upcoming meeting at a library, I would want to know about it. KP: Why did you contact Gayle Pitman, the author? MB: I saw a post on the “You know you’re from West Chicago” Facebook page. KP: How did you hear about the library’s challenge to This Day in June? “Why would an ordinary citizen stand up to defend this book?” The board voted to retain the book in the children’s collection of the public library, and as the meeting concluded, there was an atmosphere of joyful celebration. The library meeting room, lobby and vestibule were packed, and I didn’t get to introduce myself until after she spoke in front of the board. Mary and I talked via Facebook throughout the weekend, and I had the pleasure of meeting her in person at the library on Monday night. And Mary Black contacted me a few hours later. On Saturday, August 26, Gayle Pitman sent me a Facebook message about a library challenge to her 2014 picture book, This Day in June. She said that a community member of West Chicago, Illinois, contacted her and Gayle was hoping she could share my contact information with her for advice and support.

This day in june gayle pitman