What Kind of Queen? A Royal Biography of Drag Queen and Activist José Sarria

Chu, Shaffer, and Lozito spotlight a drag performer and his queendom in this inspirational picture book biography of activist José Sarria (1922–2013). During Sarria’s San Francisco childhood, he declares that “everyone in my queendom will be treated like royalty.” And indeed, his godfather makes him a royal carriage, his aunties tailor him some robes, and his cousins chant “Long live Queen José!” But though this mother calls him “the greatest queen,” she also warns that “some believe boys shouldn’t be queens at all.” Returning after defeating “forces of evil abroad,” the figure encounters “different forces of evil” in San Francisco, depicted as officers who “scared queens into hiding their fabulousness.” But Sarria refuses to conceal himself, performing in drag, running for office, and holding coronations in which anyone could “become royalty, take on a magnificent name, and dedicate their life to helping those in need.” Conversational text and kinetic illustrations with airbrush textures showcase the subject’s royal generosity in this informative, resistance-minded story. Characters are intersectionally diverse. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)