Daddy's Roommate facts for kids
Cover for Daddy's Roommate
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| Author | Michael Willhoite |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's Literature |
| Publisher | Alyson Books |
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Publication date
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November 1990 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback and Clothbound) |
| Pages | 30 |
| ISBN | 1-55583-118-4 |
| OCLC | 26563465 |
Daddy's Roommate is a children's book written by Michael Willhoite. It was published by Alyson Books in 1990. This book was one of the first for kids to talk about families where parents are the same gender.
The story is about a young boy whose divorced dad lives with his male partner. The book shows what a family with two dads can be like. It has been used in many school programs. Michael Willhoite won a Lambda Literary Award for it in 1991.
Because the book talks about same-sex relationships, some people tried to get it removed from schools and libraries. It was one of the most challenged books in the U.S. during the 1990s.
What is Daddy's Roommate About?
The story is told by a young boy. His parents got divorced the year before the story begins. He lives with both his mom and his dad.
One day, he finds out his dad has a new roommate named Frank. The boy notices his dad and Frank do lots of things together. They work, eat, sleep, and sometimes even argue, just like other couples. They also go on fun trips together. They visit the zoo, the beach, and a baseball game. The boy likes it when Frank plays with him, cooks for him, and reads stories.
He asks his mom about his dad and Frank. His mom explains that his dad and Frank are gay. She tells him that being gay is just another way to love someone. She says they do many of the same things other couples do. The story ends with the boy understanding that everyone is happy.
About the Author, Michael Willhoite
Before writing Daddy's Roommate, Michael Willhoite was a cartoonist. He drew cartoons for the Washington Blade. This was a newspaper for the gay community. His cartoons have been put into two collections by Alyson Books.
For the book's tenth anniversary, Willhoite added a special note. He wrote about how the book faced challenges when it first came out. Some people tried to censor it. This included burning, stealing, and damaging copies. Willhoite thanked librarians who "fought like tigers" to keep the book available.
He was proud that the book was still "a mirror" for children with gay parents. He also noted that the book has been used widely. It helps teach children about different kinds of families. Willhoite also wrote a second book called Daddy's Wedding. It came out in 1996. This book features the same characters. In it, the boy is the best man at his dad's commitment ceremony.
Images for kids
