All the Little Children: An Inclusionary Tale

J. Kelly Poorman
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595529865
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (5/09)

Interestingly enough, the author J. Kelly Poorman wrote the book before he wrote this play in this two-part book. His honesty, compassion and insight give readers an opportunity to see what it is like to live in a community where the gay culture isn’t understood.

Having lived in the exciting city of Los Angeles for many years, Robert, the main character, returns to his hometown for a visit and ends up staying due to the fact his mother got seriously ill. Nothing in this town had changed and they still called him by his childhood name.

Having gotten away from the church for sometime Robert decides to get involved again and he finds it hard to stay focused. Several of the male youths admit that they are gay and it doesn’t go over well with their fathers. When Robert is asked by a young man to be his mentor for confirmation, he is honored; however, church members have other opinions.

The author’s ability to show that regardless of what a person’s sexual preference is, they still believe in a higher power and want to live their lives as normal as anyone does. He also shows that regardless of what research says there are still some very narrow-minded individuals in the world.

“All the Little Children: An Inclusionary Tale” by J. Kelly Poorman is a very captivating and compassionate read. 

 

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