Rainbow Revolutionaries: 50 LGBTQ+ People Who Made History

by Sarah Prager (Author) Sarah Papworth (Illustrator)

Rainbow Revolutionaries: 50 LGBTQ+ People Who Made History
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

One of Time Out's "LGBTQ+ books for kids to read during Pride Month," this groundbreaking, pop-culture-infused illustrated biography collection takes readers on an eye-opening journey through the lives of fifty influential queer figures who have made a mark on every century of human existence.

Rainbow Revolutionaries brings to life the vibrant histories of fifty pioneering LGBTQ+ people from around the world. Through Sarah Prager's (Queer, There, and Everywhere) short, engaging bios, and Sarah Papworth's bold, dynamic art, readers can delve into the lives of Wen of Han, a Chinese emperor who loved his boyfriend as much as his people, Martine Rothblatt, a trans woman who's helping engineer the robots of tomorrow, and so many more!

This book is a celebration of the many ways these heroes have made a difference and will inspire young readers to make a difference, too. Featuring an introduction, map, timeline, and glossary, this must-have biography collection is the perfect read during Pride month and all year round.

Biographies include:

Adam Rippon, Alan L. Hart, Alan Turing, Albert Cashier, Alberto Santos-Dumont, Alexander the Great, Al-Hakam II, Alvin Ailey, Bayard Rustin, Benjamin Banneker, Billie Jean King, Chevalière d'Éon, Christina of Sweden, Christine Jorgensen, Cleve Jones, Ellen DeGeneres, Francisco Manicongo, Frida Kahlo, Frieda Belinfante, Georgina Beyer, Gilbert Baker, Glenn Burke, Greta Garbo, Harvey Milk, James Baldwin, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, José Sarria, Josephine Baker, Juana Inés de la Cruz, Julie d'Aubigny, Lili Elbe, Ma Rainey, Magnus Hirschfeld, Manvendra Singh Gohil, Marsha P. Johnson, Martine Rothblatt, Maryam Khatoon Molkara, Natalie Clifford Barney, Navtej Johar, Nzinga, Pauli Murray, Renée Richards, Rudolf Nureyev, Sally Ride, Simon Nkoli, Stormé DeLarverie, Sylvia Rivera, Tshepo Ricki Kgositau, Wen of Han, We'wha

*A Junior Library Guild Selection*

Select format:
Paperback
$14.99

School Library Journal

Gr 3-7--This middle grade resource profiles 50 LGBTQ+ people. Each double-page spread contains a full-page illustration of the person rendered in a folk art style. The single page of text offers background information detailing the person's life, such as why they are included in the book as well as their personal accomplishments. The text is easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. A variety of individuals are represented and span cultures, time periods, and occupations. Historical and modern figures are included. There are sports heroes (Billie Jean King), mathematicians (Benjamin Banneker), dancers, artists, political figures (Alexander the Great and Georgina Beyer), soldiers, and inventors. Readers will enjoy the ease of dropping in and reading a little bit here and there, but some middle schoolers may be put off by the impression that it is a picture book. VERDICT A browsable guide for middle school readers looking to get an overview of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history.--Debbie Tanner, S D Spady Montessori Elem., FL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

[W]ill have the effect of inspiring young readers. For middle-grade readers, it will likely be a compelling volume.—Mombian
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780062947758
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
HarperCollins
Publication date
May 20, 2020
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF025000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | General
JNF053080 - Juvenile Nonfiction | LGBT
JNF007150 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | LGBT
Library of Congress categories
Gay men
Gender identity
Lesbians
Sexual minorities
Junior Library Guild Selection

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