This Day in June
This Day in June is a vibrant children's picture book that introduces young readers to the joyous atmosphere and diverse participants of a LGBTQ+ Pride Parade. Through simple rhyming couplets and colorful illustrations, the book aims to foster respect, acceptance, and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. It features a wide array of individuals, couples, and families celebrating their identities and community. The book includes extensive back matter, such as a reading guide explaining the historical and cultural significance of elements within the parade, and a note to parents and caregivers offering guidance on how to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity with children in age-appropriate ways. This title is intended for early elementary school children and is recognized for its positive portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe book explicitly and centrally focuses on celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and gender diversity by depicting a Pride Parade. It is designed as an educational tool to promote understanding and acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. The narrative, illustrations, and supplementary materials all reinforce LGBTQ+ themes and culture.
The entire book is described as a 'pride primer' that celebrates not just gay families, but gay culture, featuring a parade with diverse participants. Illustrations include 'leather daddies, drag queens, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,' and various LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, with some same-sex couples shown sharing 'chaste kiss[es] or hold[ing] hands.' A 'Note to Parents and Other Caregivers' and a 'Reading Guide' are included to facilitate discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic and sexual content is minimal and presented in a very mild, non-explicit manner, consistent with a children's picture book. Any physical intimacy is limited to chaste expressions of affection.
The illustrations include 'same-sex couples occasionally share a chaste kiss or hold hands in this celebration of love in all its forms.' While the book aims to normalize various forms of love and relationships, explicit sexual acts or graphic nudity are absent.
Violence
LowNo instances of violence, fights, gore, or death are depicted or mentioned in the book. The overall tone is celebratory and peaceful, focusing on community and acceptance.
The book's content centers on the joyous atmosphere of a Pride parade, with no reports or reviews mentioning any acts of violence.
Profanity
LowNo instances of profanity, curse words, or strong language are present in the book's text or noted in any reviews.
The book is a children's picture book utilizing simple rhyming couplets, and reviews consistently indicate that the language is appropriate for young readers, without any profanity.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe book does not contain themes of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or supernatural elements.
The narrative focuses on a real-world event, a Pride parade, and does not incorporate any fantastical or occult themes.
Substance Use
LowThere is no depiction or mention of alcohol, drugs, smoking, or other substance use in the book's main narrative or illustrations.
The content is centered on a family attending a parade, and no reviews or summaries indicate any presence of substance use.
Scary & Intense Content
LowThe book contains no scary, frightening, or overtly intense content. The illustrations are vibrant and celebratory, aiming to convey joy and acceptance.
The book's tone is 'joyous exuberance' and 'wildly whimsical,' focusing on the positive and celebratory aspects of a Pride parade. There are no elements designed to frighten or cause distress in young readers.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowWhile the book showcases groups that may be perceived as rebellious or potentially disrespectful by some traditional viewpoints due to their attire or historical protest methods, the book itself does not actively promote disrespect or rebellion in its primary narrative for children. It presents these groups as part of the diverse Pride celebration.
The book's illustrations include depictions of groups such as the 'Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,' who adopt religious symbols for protest. A reviewer notes that while adults might understand this as a protest against perceived intolerance, it is a 'complex discussion for a picture book' and for children, it might just appear as 'colorful weirdos!' However, the book's narrative and explicit purpose are to teach respect and acceptance, not disrespect towards specific groups or authority figures.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe book does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes. However, the inclusion of groups like the 'Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence' at the Pride parade, who use religious iconography in a satirical manner, may be perceived as anti-Christian by some Christian parents. The book's intention is to depict aspects of Pride culture rather than to critique specific religions.
The 'Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,' a group that uses religious symbols in protest, are depicted in the illustrations and explained in the endnotes. While some parents may find this content concerning or anti-Christian, the book's primary text does not directly mock or insult Christian beliefs but rather portrays diverse participants in a Pride celebration. The adult reading guide provides context for such groups as part of LGBTQ+ history and culture, suggesting it is presented factually within the context of the parade rather than as an endorsement of anti-Christian sentiment within the child's narrative.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 4-8. The book uses simple rhyming text and colorful illustrations, making it accessible for preschoolers and early elementary children for read-alouds. However, the comprehensive endnotes and parent guide suggest that deeper discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity, and LGBTQ+ history, are intended for engagement with older children within this range or with adult guidance.
Additional Notes
The book 'This Day in June' is highly celebrated within LGBTQ+ advocacy and educational circles for its inclusive representation and serves as a direct introduction to Pride culture and history. It has, however, faced challenges and bans in some communities due to its LGBTQ+ content, indicating that its themes may be controversial for some parents. The comprehensive back matter (Note to Parents and Reading Guide) is crucial for understanding the historical context and for guiding discussions, especially for parents unfamiliar with LGBTQ+ topics.
Related Reviews
Is This Day in June right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required