"A colorful and creative way to introduce young readers to a diverse group of LGBTQ+ figures--from historical activists to contemporary athletes and artists--all woven into an open-ended exploration of what Pride means. I love that this book both honors our history and connects it to the present--it is a wonderful way to open conversations and encourage kids to learn more about LGBTQ+ rights." - Robin Stevenson, Stonewall Honor winning author of Pride Puppy and Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle "Thor's picture book debut is an inclusive celebration of queerness LGBTQ+ readers will delight in finding themselves in, and a joyful jumping-off point for kids learning about the origins, significance, and powerful affirmation of PRIDE. Likewise, Kirk brings the vibrant colors, layers, and bold lines of her mural work to the page with illustrations that beautifully capture the essence of what it means to celebrate pride in all its forms." - Anika Aldamuy Denise, Pura Belpré Honor winning author of Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré Don't expect to find a dictionary definition of pride in this earnest new picture book. Instead, following a few contextual paragraphs about gay culture and history, it offers a series of affirmations such as "Pride means wearing whatever you want".Each phrase is accompanied by vibrant renderings of LGBTQ+ people who embody the text's spirit.Thor and Kirk have created a valuable introduction to the universality of the queer experience that give faces to important members of the LGBTQ+ community and imparts a positive message about loving yourself for who you are.
- Booklist Beautiful, vibrant illustrations honor Pride history and figures. In spare text--each page has a couple sentences--the book outlines who celebrates Pride in June, how the commemoration started, and explores the word "pride" itself. The words are inclusive and uplifting; readers are asked to consider what pride looks like in their own lives. The heartfelt and empowering message is in lockstep with the bright artwork, harking back to protest art of the 1960s and 1970s through color and wavy lines. VERDICT One for the Pride shelves, or to share one-on-one with younger children needing more context. - School Library Journal Anchoring this accessibly written portrait of Pride with a brief history of its activist and protest roots, Thor broadly defines it as an observance rooted in allyship, community, resilience, personal truth, and self-expression. Throughout, images of well-known, primarily American LGBTQ figures past (James Baldwin, Marsha P. Johnson) and present (Elliot Page, Megan Rapinoe) exemplify various facets of Pride.
On one page, Billy Porter graces the runway in a full skirt, while text reads "Pride means wearing whatever you want." Kirk's line-heavy digital art incorporates rainbow hues and various Pride flags alongside images of people of myriad body types, gender expressions, and skin tones, foregrounding a range of activists, artists, athletes, performers, and politicians. It's a representation-forward introduction to Pride as both concept and celebration. Creators' notes, recommended reading, and brief biographies of figures shown conclude. Ages 4-7. (Apr.) - Publishers Weekly.