My House, Going to Fair Day, The Rainbow Cubby House and
Koalas on Parade - easy-to-read books which include same sex parent families.

Learn to read, learn to include
Written by an Australian primary school student and her lesbian mum (who could not find any readers featuring same-sex families to donate to her daughter's school), These books should be available in every year one classroom.

Every family is important
Bright and happy, and given the thumbs up by year one students and teachers, what better way to show children that every family is important.

Combat bullying, increase self-esteem
These readers promote inclusiveness and the acceptance of diversity. Primary school is the ideal place to start learning about diversity. More exposure to gay and lesbian families, supported by an understanding school culture may lead to less bullying in schools and increased self-esteem for young people who might grow up to think they are gay or lesbian.

"The capacity of schools to understand and respond to the diversity of students is essential to ensure that young people are in a safe and supportive learning environment. These resources will undoubtabley assist schools and I have requested the Department to include them in the Corporate Library where they will be accessible to all teachers."

Anna Bligh MP, Minister for Education and Minister for the Arts, Queensland

'As a teacher I endeavour to find resources which examine and reflect upon the rapidly changing world in which my students live. I also seek to facilitate students' tolerance, acceptance and genuine appreciation for all people on this Earth, and the ways in which they live, pray, work, eat and love. In Australia especially, these 'ways' are endless and I believe, should be acknowledged and celebrated more readily. Perhaps future generations might be less phobic of differences than our own??

I think its fantastic that Vicki and Brenna Harding have been pro-active rather than re-active to a lag in culturally and socially relevant educational materials. I will certainly be ordering their titles for my literacy department!

Ms Regan Cross
From the Courier Mail
Brisbane
November 2002

Review of My House and Going to Fair Day published in the NSW Department of Education's SCAN magazine.

This project is supported by the NSW Attorney General's Department - Crime Prevention Division