Alice Austen Lived Here

Sam Russo, a middle school student in Staten Island, needs to complete a local history project. After learning about photographer Alice Austen, who lived openly with her female partner in the late 1800s, Sam decides to focus their project on Austen's life and legacy. Sam works with their friend TJ on researching Alice Austen, visiting the historic house where she lived, and gathering information about her photography and personal life. Sam, who is nonbinary, finds connection and meaning in discovering this LGBTQ+ historical figure from their own borough. Through their research process, Sam and TJ become advocates for proper recognition of Alice Austen's full identity and relationships in local historical records and commemorations. Their project expands beyond a simple school assignment into community engagement and activism. The story explores themes of identity, representation in history, and how young people can effect change in their communities. It highlights the importance of uncovering and preserving LGBTQ+ stories from the past while creating space for new voices in the present.

Readers appreciate the book's exploration of LGBTQ+ history and identity through a middle-grade lens. Many note the effective balance between teaching historical facts about photographer Alice Austen while maintaining an engaging contemporary story. Positives from reviews: - Strong representation of nonbinary characters - Educational without being preachy - Age-appropriate discussion of LGBTQ+ topics - Inclusion of actual historical figures Common criticisms: - Plot moves slowly in the middle sections - Some readers found the historical elements overshadowed character development - A few felt the messaging was too overt Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (90+ ratings) BookPage: 4/5 One reader noted: "Finally, a book that helps kids understand LGBTQ+ history without sanitizing it." Another wrote: "The pacing drags at times, but the message is important." The book won the 2023 Stonewall Children's and Young Adult Literature Award.

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📚 Alice Austen was a real photographer from Staten Island who captured over 7,000 images in the late 1800s and early 1900s, documenting everyday life and breaking gender norms. 🌈 Author Alex Gino changed their own name from their deadname after publishing their first book, and they advocate for proper pronoun usage and trans visibility in children's literature. 📸 The real Clear Comfort, Alice Austen's home featured in the book, is now a museum on Staten Island and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1976. 🏆 The book addresses the historical erasure of LGBTQ+ figures, as many history books and articles referred to Alice Austen's partner Gertrude Tate as her "friend" despite their 50-year relationship. 🎨 The story combines contemporary middle school experiences with local history research, featuring student activism and the power of young people to make change in their communities.