I Am a Rainbow!

In a lively picture book written by professional dancer and LGBTQ advocate Kanemura with Foxe, young narrator Mark, who is portrayed with brown skin, details how he loves to put on full-scale, costumed performances and fashion shows for his family, with whom he can be “whoever I want to be!” At school, however, kids mock Mark for how he dresses, moves, and sounds—treatment that “makes me want to disappear.” When Mark admits to family that “I don’t want to be myself anymore,” they give him a shimmering rainbow cape that “makes me feel invincible.” And soon, it leads to a second safe space: friendship with a group of variously diverse kids “who look just like me—fierce, fabulous, and fun.” Merritt renders Mark’s experience in bright digital artwork in fizzy rainbow hues. It’s a book about authentic connection that invites readers to “dazzle when we embrace our true selves.” Includes a letter from the author. Ages 4–8. (May)
This review has been updated to reflect the author's pronouns.