April 1, 2022
PreS-Gr 1-Beautiful, vibrant illustrations honor Pride history and figures. In spare text-each page has a couple sentences-the book outlines who celebrates Pride in June, how the commemoration started, and explores the word "pride" itself. The words are inclusive and uplifting; readers are asked to consider what pride looks like in their own lives. The heartfelt and empowering message is in lockstep with the bright artwork, harking back to protest art of the 1960s and 1970s through color and wavy lines. Throughout the book, people such as James Baldwin, Megan Rapinoe, and Matthew Shepard are identified with their names in tiny font. There is no back matter. VERDICT One for the Pride shelves, or to share one-on-one with younger children needing more context.-Elissa Cooper
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April 15, 2022
Grades K-3 Don't expect to find a dictionary definition of pride in this earnest new picture book. Instead, following a few contextual paragraphs about gay culture and history, it offers a series of affirmations such as "Pride means wearing whatever you want" and "Pride means taking care of your heart, body and mind." Each phrase is accompanied by vibrant renderings of LGBTQ+ people who embody the text's spirit. Most of the images are stylized portraits, though a few capture their subjects in action. These individuals are identified by name, with biographical details appended. This is particularly useful for lesser-known figures, such as Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Phyllis Lyon, and Christian Siriano. Notes to adults are also included, suggesting that this book is at its best with some guidance. Thor and Kirk have created a valuable introduction to the universality of the queer experience that give faces to important members of the LGBTQ+ community and imparts a positive message about loving yourself for who you are.
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June 20, 2022
Anchoring this accessibly written portrait of Pride with a brief history of its activist and protest roots, Thor broadly defines it as an observance rooted in allyship, community, resilience, personal truth, and self-expression. Throughout, images of well-known, primarily American LGBTQ figures past (James Baldwin, Marsha P. Johnson) and present (Elliot Page, Megan Rapinoe) exemplify various facets of Pride. On one page, Billy Porter graces the runway in a full skirt, while text reads “Pride means wearing whatever you want.” Kirk’s line-heavy digital art incorporates rainbow hues and various Pride flags alongside images of people of myriad body types, gender expressions, and skin tones, foregrounding a range of activists, artists, athletes, performers, and politicians. It’s a representation-forward introduction to Pride as both concept and celebration. Creators’ notes, recommended reading, and brief biographies of figures shown conclude. Ages 4–7.