3/3/2021

3/3/2021

'62

Katy Has Two Grampas Book CoverRobert Schanke, who taught theatre at Midland 1970-76, and his daughter Julie Lyford have written a new book together. Katy Has Two Grampas identifies the grandparents in the story as gay and as married, taking the diversity in children’s picture books to a new level. LGBT+ representation in children’s books tends to focus on gay mothers and fathers, but when grandfathers are featured their sexuality and marital status go unmentioned. 

Based on their true story, this unique book reveals the experience of a first-grade girl with a lisp who is misunderstood by her classmates and teacher. When she talks about her two gay grandpas, (or “grampas,” as Katy says) she is frustrated when her teacher thinks she means to say “grandpa and grandma.” Because she has such love for her gay grandpas as people who understand her, she unexpectedly shines when introducing them as a married gay couple at a classroom celebration of Grandparents Day. A reviewer for Children’s Bookshop wrote, “This is an excellent book. I think it’s a great book.”  It is available as a hardback or e-book at www.katyhastwogrampas.com or at local bookstores.

Contact Information
Robert A. Schanke
Dean Emeritus, College of Fellows of the American Theatre
498 Edgewood Lane
Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
 
www.robertschanke.com