I am thrilled to be kicking off LGBTQ History Month with the cover reveal of Willi Ninja: Vogue Legend, the first book in the exciting new Rainbow History series from Candlewick Press! Read on for a review, a Q&A with author Joy Michael Ellison, and a bonus interior spread from illustrator Nabi H. Ali.
Review
Willi Ninja: Vogue Legend, by Joy Michael Ellison, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali, is the perfect book to kick off Candlewick Press’s new series of LGBTQ+ biographies. The book follows the energetic dancer—known as the grandfather of vogue and star of the film Paris Is Burning—from his childhood in New York City to his first performance at a Harlem drag ball.
As a child, Willi loved copying karate moves he saw on TV, posing like models in magazines, and imitating pharaohs in Egyptian hieroglyphs. His mother supported his imaginative movements and took him to the famed Apollo Theater to watch other dancers, allowing him to dream that he could one day join them.
He wasn’t sure where his type of dance would fit, though—until he saw other gay dancers in a park, practicing the new vogue style. They invited him to join them, and his world opened up. At his first ball, “He moved in ways no one had seen before.” But what would the judges think?
Joy Michael Ellison’s text smartly focuses on Willi’s character and spirit, his mother’s support, and how he found community—key aspects of his life that should resonate with young readers. Nabi H. Ali’s illustrations are the perfect match for Willi’s style, as they show him spinning across the pages with his imaginings pouring out of his mind and body in a kaleidoscope of colors.
An afterward offers more details about Willi Ninja’s life, a look at what life was like in general for queer and trans people during his time, more about ballroom and vogue, and a call to “Work like Willi!”
Young readers should be both inspired and informed by this highly recommended volume.
The book officially publishes on May 5, 2026, but you can place preorders now at all major online bookstores—and preorders tell publishers just how much we want to see these kinds of books! If you purchase it through this link to Bookshop or this link to Amazon, in both cases where I earn a small fee from qualifying purchases, you’ll also help me keep the lights on here at Mombian. Regardless of where you purchase (or even if you just recommend it to your local library), thank you for supporting LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ books!
Q&A With Joy Michael Ellison
(Courtesy of Candlewick Press)
What was your inspiration for creating the series?
Knowing queer and trans history makes me feel proud and capable of changing the world. I created Rainbow History so that children can experience that same joy and empowerment.
What do you hope readers get out of Willi Ninja: Vogue Legend?
I hope that readers will fall in love with Willi Ninja’s creativity, determination, and deep commitment to his chosen family. This book provides a window into the history of queer and trans art, as well as our history of activism through community building. I want readers to understand how the legacy of Black queer and trans art shapes our world today and how they can use their own creativity and compassion to make history.
What were your thoughts the first time you saw the cover art?
I love the way that Nabi H. Ali’s artwork captures Willi Ninja’s incredible movements and infectious joy. I’m so excited for this book to get into the hands of young readers.