Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming an LGBTQIA+ Ally

When Noah and his boyfriend, Miguel, are harassed by neighborhood bullies who say “mean words about gay people,” Noah’s sibling Joy—a baking enthusiast—talks to their mom about how to become an ally. In colored pencil textures, Smid’s loose art juxtaposes monochrome bullying scenes with full-color pages that show Joy making and selling cookies in the colors of the Progress Pride flag to raise funds for Noah and Miguel’s Teen Center. Showing via straightforward dialogue and narration the power of community support and the many meanings of “Pride,” Sileo and Lum-Potvin show Joy educating herself, ensuring that Noah’s comfortable with the idea, and standing up for the LGBTQ community, rather than expecting others to tell her what to do. Joy and Noah are portrayed with tan skin, Miguel has brown skin, and their community represents people of various abilities, body types, and skin tones. Further resources conclude. Ages 5–up. (May)