America 250: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Americans With 10 Biographies for Kids
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Pride Month is nearing its end, and July 4 is approaching, so my thoughts are turning to all that has made our country great--including queer people. These new biographies for kids offer insights into LGBTQ+ history and famous LGBTQ+ Americans who have made their marks in dance, sports, fashion, activism, music, and literature.
All are picture books except as noted.
“Willi Ninja: Vogue Legend,” by Joy Michael Ellison, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali (Candlewick), 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. The text focuses on Willi’s character and spirit, his mother’s support, and how he found community—aspects of his life that should resonate with young readers. The spinning, kaleidoscopic illustrations are the perfect match for Willi’s style.
“A Place to Dance: How Richard Lamberty Brought Change to the Ballroom,” by Eric Rosswood and Richard Lamberty, illustrated by Vincent Chen (Charlesbridge), traces the story of the two-time world champion ballroom dancer and co-founder of April Follies, the longest-running and largest queer-partner dance competition in North America. His is a tale of dedication, creating inclusive spaces, and the importance of belonging and finding joy. (Out August 4.)
“Brave New Ballet: The Story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo,” by Robyn McGrath, illustrated by Alexander Mostov (Penguin Workshop), tells of the ballet dancers who came to New York City in the early 1970s looking for their big break—and created something groundbreaking. The members of the all-male “Trocks” did not confine themselves to traditional male roles, but combined hard work with a touch of drag and a dash of humor for unforgettable performances. McGrath perfectly pitches the story for young readers by emphasizing the emotions of the dancers and their audiences rather than simply retelling historical events.
“What Kind of Queen? A Royal Biography of Drag Queen and Activist José Sarria,” by Kyle Casey Chu and Andrew W. Shaffer, illustrated by Cindy Lozito (Abrams), is a captivating biography of the early LGBTQ+ activist and drag queen that gives readers just the right amount of detail to convey his personality and significance. Dynamic illustrations fit the exuberance of Sarria’s life.
“Songbird in the Light,” by Billy Porter and Chris Clarkson, illustrated by Charly Palmer (Abrams), is a semi-autobiographical story of Broadway star Porter. At school, the other kids teased him for how he walked and talked. (In an Author’s Note, Porter writes about how the teasing was for a queerness he didn’t yet have the language to name.) The inspiration of a teacher, however, helped him to find his bravery and sing, letting his songs fly and his self-worth shine.
“Copland: A Story About America,” by Veronica Mang (Viking), places composer Aaron Copland in context as a first-generation American during the Great Depression, and shows how music can tell a story, bear witness to change, and invite us to dream of a better future. One page shows him and his partner, Victor Kraft, with their arms around each other, while the backmatter notes that he “lived quite openly for his time.” The story skillfully captures the spirit of Copland’s music and its significance, while offering a broader look at the role of art in changing the world.
“Clothes to Make You Smile: Patrick Kelly Designs His Dreams,” by Eric Darnell Pritchard, illustrated by Shannon Wright (Abrams), is a lively and inspiring biography whose collage illustrations echo the playfulness of the iconoclastic Kelly’s fashion designs. The main text doesn’t mention Kelly’s gay identity, but an afterward does, along with noting “his life and business partner, Bjorn Amelan” and Kelly’s death from complications of AIDS.
“Billie Jean King: A Little Golden Book Biography,” by Anna Membrino, illustrated by Jen Bricking (Golden Books), is a solid biography emphasizing the intertwined threads of King’s tennis career and her work for inclusion and equality. It gives a mention to her wife, Ilana Kloss, and shows some of the many ways in which King has had an impact on the sport and the world.
“Play Proud: Fiercely Fabulous Queer Athletes,” by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Izzy Evans (Beaming Books), is a cheery, rhyming ode to queer athletes that isn’t a biography, exactly, but offers upbeat verses about various LGBTQ+ athletes (and a few managers, coaches, and officials) across a wide range of sports, as bold, dynamic illustrations show them in action. Backmatter includes additional biographical details for each person mentioned.
“Books Good Enough for You: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children’s Books,” by Nancy Hudgins, (Cameron Kids), is a middle-grade biography of the queer woman who oversaw publication of now-classics like “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Goodnight Moon,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and more. It deftly balances insights about Nordstrom’s personality, how her values informed her work, the publishing industry, and a look at book censorship, particularly around marginalized identities. (For a picture book biography of Nordstrom, try the 2023 “Good Books for Bad Children,” by Beth Kephart, illustrated by Chloe Bristol (Anne Schwartz Books).
Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (mombian.com), a two-time GLAAD Media Award-winning blog for LGBTQ+ parents, plus a searchable database of 2,000+ LGBTQ+ family books.
All are picture books except as noted.
“Willi Ninja: Vogue Legend,” by Joy Michael Ellison, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali (Candlewick), 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. The text focuses on Willi’s character and spirit, his mother’s support, and how he found community—aspects of his life that should resonate with young readers. The spinning, kaleidoscopic illustrations are the perfect match for Willi’s style.
“A Place to Dance: How Richard Lamberty Brought Change to the Ballroom,” by Eric Rosswood and Richard Lamberty, illustrated by Vincent Chen (Charlesbridge), traces the story of the two-time world champion ballroom dancer and co-founder of April Follies, the longest-running and largest queer-partner dance competition in North America. His is a tale of dedication, creating inclusive spaces, and the importance of belonging and finding joy. (Out August 4.)
“Brave New Ballet: The Story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo,” by Robyn McGrath, illustrated by Alexander Mostov (Penguin Workshop), tells of the ballet dancers who came to New York City in the early 1970s looking for their big break—and created something groundbreaking. The members of the all-male “Trocks” did not confine themselves to traditional male roles, but combined hard work with a touch of drag and a dash of humor for unforgettable performances. McGrath perfectly pitches the story for young readers by emphasizing the emotions of the dancers and their audiences rather than simply retelling historical events.
“What Kind of Queen? A Royal Biography of Drag Queen and Activist José Sarria,” by Kyle Casey Chu and Andrew W. Shaffer, illustrated by Cindy Lozito (Abrams), is a captivating biography of the early LGBTQ+ activist and drag queen that gives readers just the right amount of detail to convey his personality and significance. Dynamic illustrations fit the exuberance of Sarria’s life.
“Songbird in the Light,” by Billy Porter and Chris Clarkson, illustrated by Charly Palmer (Abrams), is a semi-autobiographical story of Broadway star Porter. At school, the other kids teased him for how he walked and talked. (In an Author’s Note, Porter writes about how the teasing was for a queerness he didn’t yet have the language to name.) The inspiration of a teacher, however, helped him to find his bravery and sing, letting his songs fly and his self-worth shine.
“Copland: A Story About America,” by Veronica Mang (Viking), places composer Aaron Copland in context as a first-generation American during the Great Depression, and shows how music can tell a story, bear witness to change, and invite us to dream of a better future. One page shows him and his partner, Victor Kraft, with their arms around each other, while the backmatter notes that he “lived quite openly for his time.” The story skillfully captures the spirit of Copland’s music and its significance, while offering a broader look at the role of art in changing the world.
“Clothes to Make You Smile: Patrick Kelly Designs His Dreams,” by Eric Darnell Pritchard, illustrated by Shannon Wright (Abrams), is a lively and inspiring biography whose collage illustrations echo the playfulness of the iconoclastic Kelly’s fashion designs. The main text doesn’t mention Kelly’s gay identity, but an afterward does, along with noting “his life and business partner, Bjorn Amelan” and Kelly’s death from complications of AIDS.
“Billie Jean King: A Little Golden Book Biography,” by Anna Membrino, illustrated by Jen Bricking (Golden Books), is a solid biography emphasizing the intertwined threads of King’s tennis career and her work for inclusion and equality. It gives a mention to her wife, Ilana Kloss, and shows some of the many ways in which King has had an impact on the sport and the world.
“Play Proud: Fiercely Fabulous Queer Athletes,” by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Izzy Evans (Beaming Books), is a cheery, rhyming ode to queer athletes that isn’t a biography, exactly, but offers upbeat verses about various LGBTQ+ athletes (and a few managers, coaches, and officials) across a wide range of sports, as bold, dynamic illustrations show them in action. Backmatter includes additional biographical details for each person mentioned.
“Books Good Enough for You: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children’s Books,” by Nancy Hudgins, (Cameron Kids), is a middle-grade biography of the queer woman who oversaw publication of now-classics like “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Goodnight Moon,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and more. It deftly balances insights about Nordstrom’s personality, how her values informed her work, the publishing industry, and a look at book censorship, particularly around marginalized identities. (For a picture book biography of Nordstrom, try the 2023 “Good Books for Bad Children,” by Beth Kephart, illustrated by Chloe Bristol (Anne Schwartz Books).
Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (mombian.com), a two-time GLAAD Media Award-winning blog for LGBTQ+ parents, plus a searchable database of 2,000+ LGBTQ+ family books.
