cover image Change (Pride in...)

Change (Pride in...)

Emilie Dufresne. Booklife Publishing UK (IPG/Trafalgar Sq., dist.), $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-83927-084-0

This boldly colored nonfiction picture book introduces 10 LGBTQ figures, half of whom are still alive today. Information-packed pages offer the name of the profiled person—including Marsha P. Johnson, Sir Ian McKellen, Arsham Parsi, and more, organized by birth year—at the top of the verso page, with scalloped sections and speech bubbles highlighting achievements and relevant biographical details below and on the recto. Some of Dufresne’s explanations feel insufficiently detailed for the suggested age range (“During this time, it was not safe to be openly gay in the US and many people treated the LGBTQIA+ community badly”), and digital, cartoon-style illustrations don’t quite succeed in evoking their real-world counterparts. Still, the range of profiles is inclusive, and young readers may meet previously unknown visionaries in these pages. Back matter includes a page of tips for allies, “More Movers and Changers” with brief biographies and small photographs, and a glossary. Ages 9–12. [em](June) [/em]