My Two Uncles [Hardcover]

Judith Vigna (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

Plans for Elly's grandparents' fiftieth wedding anniversary party are upset when Grampy refuses to invite Elly's Uncle Phil and his friend, Ned, who are gay. By the author-illustrator of Saying Goodbye to Daddy.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2?Elly and her family are excited about her grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration. As a special gift for the occasion, she helps her Uncle Ned and his partner Phil build a diorama. Later, the girl overhears an argument when her grandfather discovers that Ned wants to bring Phil to the party. Her father then explains why Grandpa is angry, telling Elly that he respects Ned and disagrees with Grandpa. Uncle Ned refuses to come to the party alone, and gives the gift to Elly to present. When Grandpa opens it, he expresses regret for having rejected his son. The rather ordinary, cartoon-style watercolor illustrations are a simple accompaniment to the story. There is a broad definition of homosexuality as love between two adults of the same sex, like that found in a traditional marriage; Vigna further notes that gay people cannot "make" someone else gay. The ending shows a growth of understanding between father and son that is neither exaggerated nor unrealistic. Parents seeking to explain a homosexual couple's relationship may find this book useful.?Virginia E. Jeschelnig, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 2^-4. Uncle Ned is Elly's "real uncle. Uncle Phil is his friend." Her uncles are wonderful to her, and she can't understand why Grampy doesn't want Uncle Phil at his fiftieth anniversary party. Elly's father explains: "Sometimes a man loves another man in the way a married couple love each other," and "some people feel funny about seeing gays with their partners." Ned's refusal to attend without Phil is treated with dignity, as is Elly's concern that Ned is angry with her for going to the party. Grampy does come around a little. But though he waves to Phil from the car, he still won't enter Ned's apartment. Not just a story about gay men from a little girl's perspective, this is a story about families. It's filled with love and impatience, rejection and change-making, all mixed up. Mary Harris Veeder

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 30 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080755507X
• ISBN-13: 978-0807555071
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,719 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent balanced book, September 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: My Two Uncles (Hardcover)

This book thoughtfully covers a niece's love for her uncle and his partner. It also touches on the difficulties that families have at times accepting other family members.

An honest and gentle depiction of what life is really like.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Partnership of Love, October 2, 2008

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: My Two Uncles (Hardcover)

Elly, a pre-tween of indeterminate age loves visiting her Uncle Ned and his partner Phil, whom she calls Uncle Phil. They share a plush apartment in a city and welcome their niece with open arms.

Her grandfather takes a dim view of their partnership. Since Ned is his son, he grudgingly accepts the fact that Phil is an important person in his life. He tells Ned not to bring Phil to any family functions. Irate, Ned decides to boycott family gatherings unless Phil is included.

Elly's father has a wonderfully intelligent and open discussion abot Ned and Phil with her. He explains that sometimes people who are the same gender love one another the way he and Elly's mother love each other and sadly, not everybody can accept that.

Sadder but wiser, Elly, like her wise and tolerant father loves her uncles and years for their attendance at a family wedding. They helped her to make a very special gift and when it arrives....

This is an excellent book that explains love to young readers in a serious, accepting and non-threatening way. It is an ideal book for families and edcuators and will do a lot to pave the Road to Tolerance.

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why this helps, December 22, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: My Two Uncles (Hardcover)

I know many people who have gay fathers or relitives. This book is gentle and reasurring. No matter what type of family yours is they love you all the same.