Queer Ducks and Other Animals Book Review by Eliot Schrefer

Written by Eliot Schrefer
Illustrated by Jules Zuckerburg
Published by Katherine Tegen books in 2022
ISBN: 978-0063069497

Plot Summary: The world of animal sexuality is one that most readers haven't really thought about. Eliot Schrefer brings many distinct facts and research on animals ranging from the Doodlebug all the way to bulls. Each of the chapters is written about specific animal and how their behaviors align with all types of sexual activity. There are many different aspects to sexuality and this book does a good job of including the ones that are most well known as well as bringing information on different types of sexual behaviors including intersex in deer, asexuality in the albatross and polyamory in ducks and geese. The conclusion wraps up the research and includes his thoughts on why this topic hasn't been more readily studied and researched from the scientific community. 

Critical Analysis: This non fiction title includes many elements that will make it easily accessible for the teenager crowd and readers that are interested in learning about how animals have homosexual behaviors and how it is spread across the animal kingdom and not just focused on primates and humans. The comic strips at the beginning of each chapter by Jules Zuckerburg brings a comedic flair to an otherwise very deep and heavy and topic. The interviews with different scientists shows that people of all ages, races, and genders can be scientists and researchers and will allow the reader to identify with people that look and act like them. There are many opportunities while reading this book to go and do your own research on the scientists and the animals that they study as each chapter is written with not only facts but personal stories and touches that bring this nonfiction text to life.  

Reviews: 
School Library Journal
Schrefer’s book is about animal sex, but specifically homosexual behavior in certain animals. Chapters include species examples, such as dolphins and doodlebugs, that detail what and how this information was learned. In addition, chapters begin with a humorous comic, have illustrations sprinkled into the narrative, and deliver interviews Schrefer conducted with real-life scientists, many of whom identify as LGBTQIA+. Formally organized by the animal case study, the additional interviews and illustrations create breaks in the information that might disrupt the overall flow; however, they provide insight into the science of sex that’s more than procreation, a funny interruption to deeper content, and personal connection to researchers in the field. Format aside, the research is fascinating and opens another avenue for career exploration for younger readers. Plus, the facts are noteworthy and shareable—just the kind that the intended audience devours. The book’s celebration of the human-animal connection offers positivity about how natural queer behavior is opens another entry point to acceptance and understanding. Schrefer blends emotion and logic with a plethora of vocabulary by describing scientific, anthropological, and behavior studies.VERDICT A nonfiction book that richly mines scientific facts, this can be read in one sitting or researched as individual chapters for ultimate flexibility.

Connections: Students can learn more about animals and their behaviors and present a research project on what makes that animal unique to the animal kingdom. 

More Information about Queer Animals
Queer Creatures by Gail Vines https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg16321985-000-queer-creatures/
"Animal Homosexuality" Episode Animals Like Us Documentary 2004
Same Sex Behavior and Evolution by Nathan W. Bailey and Marlene Zuk https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19539396/

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