Available free from the publisher, this book is part of the lauded A Kids Book About (AKBA) collection (named as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things 2020), which began in 2019 with A Kids Book About Racism, and continues with volumes on other important topics that can be challenging to discuss. As with other titles from the publisher (on LGBTQ and other topics), it uses bright colors and a variety of fonts rather than pictures, keeping the focus on the words. Author Kendall Clawson speaks directly to readers in the first person, giving the book a conversational feel.
The book begins with some definitions of L, G. B, T, Q, I, A, and +. I appreciate that Clawson frames the definitions of “lesbian” and “gay” in terms of who people are primarily (not necessarily exclusively) attracted to. “Transgender” is defined as “a person whose gender identity differs from their gender assigned at birth,” which is accurate, although the book does not explain what gender identity is, so adults may need to fill that in for young readers.
Clawson then moves on to discuss what “pride” is, explaining that feeling pride is when one’s inner light shines brightly. Pride (capital P) is about encouraging everyone to shine brightly.
LGBTQIA+ people have always existed, although “many have been discriminated against because of who they love,” Clawson says. This has involved “being kicked out of their families, jailed, considered mentally ill, or killed.” That’s true—but I would have liked her to note that some LGBTQIA+ people have also been discriminated against because they are transgender and/or expressed their gender in ways some people have not approved of.
While LGBTQIA+ people have been fighting such discrimination for a long time, one event represented a turning point, Clawson writes, before explaining how a group of transgender women fought back at Stonewall, motivating others in the LGBTQIA+ community to follow. Pride both honors that moment and gives us a chance to celebrate our inner light, she writes, and mentions some of the people inspired by Stonewall to keep fighting for change: Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, Bayard Rustin, Harvey Milk, Audre Lorde, and Jeanne Manford.
We can celebrate pride (small P) all year long, however, by standing up for others and by believing in ourselves, Clawson says. People also need safe spaces to be who they are, which is why we create communities to celebrate pride and each other. “What makes you feel pride?” she asks. She also notes that each generation has heroes who stand up for what they believe in, suggesting, “Maybe you are that person for your generation. How bright will your light shine?” That’s an inspiring question, although I hope children realize that sometimes, it’s accomplishment enough just to be themselves.
A final page offers some suggestions for ways to maintain the feeling of Pride, from talking about pride to doing art projects to participating in a Pride celebration.
Positive and inspiring, with simple and clear explanations of both the emotions of pride and the history of Pride celebrations.
