Daddy's Roommate [Hardcover]

Michael Willhoite (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1990

A young boy discusses his divorced father's new living situation, in which the father and his gay roommate share eating, doing chores, playing, loving, and living.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This picture book is an auspicious beginning to the Alyson Wonderland imprint, "which focuses on books for and about the children of lesbian and gay parents." That the venture is being undertaken is in itself commendable: consciousness-raising concerning gay issues can handily begin at an early age with the help of books such as Willhoite's. His text is suitably straightforward, and the format--single lines of copy beneath full-page illustrations--easily accessible to the intended audience. The story's narrator begins with his parents' divorce, and continues, "Now there's somebody new at Daddy's house." The new arrival is male; Frank and Daddy are seen pursuing their daily routine (eating, shaving, sleeping--even fighting), and on weekends the three interact easily on their various outings. "Mommy says Frank and Daddy are gay"--this new concept is explained to the child as "just one more kind of love." Willhoite's cartoony pictures work well here; the colorful characters with their contemporary wardrobes and familiar surroundings lend the tale a stabilizing air of warmth and familiarity. Ages 2-5.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- A first title in a new line of books for children with homosexual parents , told in a straightforward manner. A young boy describes his father's relationship with his roommate, Frank (they "live together, work together, eat together, sleep together . . ."), and his own relationship with these men--shopping, gardening, and enjoying the zoo, beach, movies, etc. He believes that "being gay is just one more kind of love. And love is the best kind of happiness." The tone throughout the book is positive, and the boy has healthy, affectionate bonds with the adults in his life. There is no mention of bitterness or possible criticism from others. The message, that alternative lifestyles are as nurturing as mainstream ones, is intentionally obvious. Bright, framed watercolors in an almost comic-book style portray the relationships with a light touch. This is a book to consider for purchase because of the treatment of the subject rather than for the quality of writing or art. It will be useful for children in similar situations or for helping those from heterosexual families understand differences. A similar picture book, Leslie Newman's Heather Has Two Mommies (In Other Words, 1989) presents a lesbian family. --Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Alyson Books; 1st edition (June 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555831788
• ISBN-13: 978-1555831783
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #156,642 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just sent a copy to Wasilla Public Library, September 15, 2008

By 

Sebb "Sebb" (Wellesley, MA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Daddy's Roommate (Alyson Wonderland) (Paperback)

Apparently they (she) didn't manage to ban this book, but it seems that activists are taking out the book on loan and defacing it. Some people don't know what public libraries are for. If you don't want a copy in your god's church, that's your decision. If you don't want a copy in our public libraries.....write a letter. Or just get over it.

This is a book that is meant to help people living in the real world, where people really are born both gay and good.

65 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Our family was not the only good family, December 7, 2003

By 

Robin Orlowski "political activist" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Daddy's Roommate (Alyson Wonderland) (Paperback)

During my own childhood, my parents tried to instil open values in myself and my younger brother. We were regularly encouraged to read books about groups outside of our own and develop a strong sense of fairness.

While we did not have a chance to read this book during our own childhoods, I can vouch it is an important library addition for any parent wanting their child to grow up secure enough with themselves so they do not pick on others and/or deal with personal problems.

In his age-appropriate text (although the 'roomate' terminology is confusing after the depth of description), Willhoite demonstrates there are all kinds of good families. Both Daddy and Frank are very interested in providing a safe and stable enviroment for the youth---and enjoy an apparently supportive relationship with the mother (finding out you are the spouse of a GLBT person is not an easy position in our society) making his own growth an innately easier journey.

Not fancy by today's computer-pumped standards, the illustrations help reinforce the true meaning of caring. It is ultimately how you treat yourself and others which should determine what happens. Thus, the book purposefully ignores the possibility of daddy and Frank being hate crime and/or discrimination victims, a scenario which may worry older children after a parent's disclosure.

Realizing there are other families across the USA for whom the journey is nowhere near as smooth, I appreciate the candor attempting to end the cycle of hate-depression which takes a heavy toll on our youth. Like GLBT people themselves, the children of GLBT parents (a growing category!) have few 'safe' resources to utilize.

That many school districts and libraries outside of 'GLBT mecca's' do not presently stock this title unless a battle ensues ultimately reveals more about their fear of the 'different' and unfamiliar, than any inherent flaws within this book (and simmilar titles). Isolating the children of GLBT parents and potential heterosexual alies is much more simple than recognizing and overcoming our own bigotry.

46 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Thoughtout And Helpful, July 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Daddy's Roommate (Alyson Wonderland) (Paperback)

As a father myself I was put in a situation many years back and had to tell my 4 year old son about the man that had been apart of his life for the last three years. It was suggested to me by a family therapist to pick up a copy of Daddies Roommate. My Partner and I sat down with my son and read the book to him, we asked him for questions and what he was feeling. As in the book, he was so well adjusted from the exposer to my partner most of his early life he didn't feel any different knowing our sexual preferance. He is now much older and we still have a wonderful caring relationship. I hope this book helps other gay couples with telling there children about them. Thank you Kenneth J. Wheeler