cover image The Meaning of Pride

The Meaning of Pride

Rosiee Thor, illus. by Sam Kirk. Versify, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-358-40151-3

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. (Apr.)