There are many similar houses, cats, dogs, and people but each one has a way of expressing its individuality.

Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window comes to mind when looking at Gail Albert Halaban's book of photographers of city dwellers peering into their neighbours' windows, Out My Window. The photographs are views across streets, alleyways and airshafts, peering through windows to reveal intimate portraits. These beautiful voyeuristic pictures capture both the intimacy and remoteness of living in proximity to so many strangers. Out My Window can be seen as an exploration of the contradictory impulses of metropolitan life: the desire to connect and the desire to be left alone.

The story of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, one of San Francisco's most well-known and politically active lesbian couples.

A joyous glimpse into different cultures Children living in different parts of the world see very different things when they gaze out of their windows. One child looks out over a boulevard lined with palm trees, another sees a train whistling past snow-capped mountains, and another waves to her father as he tends to their garden. But while their lives may seem different, there’s something important that they all share. This beautiful book will spark readers’ curiosity and imagina­tion with its celebration of global diversity.

When You Look Out the Window tells the story of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, one of San Francisco's most well-known and politically active lesbian couples. Describing the view from Phyllis and Del's window, this book shows how one couple's activism transformed their community — and had ripple effects throughout the world. This is a unique way to introduce children to untold stories in history while also being a clever tribute to two notable women. Includes a Reading Guide that provides helpful historical context, and a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators about the importance of teaching LGBTQ history and culture to children. From the Reading Guide: Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin were one of San Francisco’s most well-known and politically active lesbian couples. They met in 1950, and moved in together on February 14, 1953 (Valentine’s Day!). The house they shared for 53 years—and where Phyllis still lives today—located at the top of Castro Street, has a big picture window that overlooks the entire city. Each of the landmarks described in the story is part of the view from their house. Phyllis and Del left their mark on each of these sites, and they are described below.