Queer History A to Z: 100 Years of LGBTQ+ Activism
Written by Robin Stevenson
Illustrated by Vivian Rosas
Published by Kids Can Press
ACTIVITIES
To be added by November 1-15.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
An essential resource for young readers that details the people, events and places that have shaped queer history in North America.
In this exploration of the history of LGBTQ+ activism in North America, middle-grade readers can learn about the key people who led the fight for equality, the events that brought about change and the places where history was made. Presented in an A to Z format, with one topic per letter (“P Is for Pride”), the entries include subjects such as coming out, pride flags, Jazz Jennings and the Stonewall Inn. Young readers will be particularly interested in learning about youth activists such as Gavin Grimm, the history of the first gay-straight alliance and the ongoing issue of banned children’s books in America.
Author Robin Stevenson has won numerous awards, including a Stonewall Book Award Honor. She has carefully curated the key people, places and events in queer history across North America to offer a pitch-perfect compilation of individual stories that are accessible, interesting and inspiring. Queer History A to Z is a must-have resource for young readers, and a terrific jumping-off point for discussions about history, identity and the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community. With so many fascinating biographies and cultural history lessons throughout, it also makes an excellent general social studies resource. Eye-catching art by Vivian Rosas appears on every spread, capturing many of the iconic images of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Extensive back matter includes short biographies of LGBTQ+ activists, a timeline, a glossary, resources for kids, selected author’s sources and an index.
ROBIN STEVENSON
Robin Stevenson is the award winning author of more than thirty books of fiction and non-fiction for kids and teens. Her books have won the Silver Birch Award, the Sheila A. Egoff award and a Stonewall Honor, and been finalists for the Governor General’s Literary Awards, the Lambda Literary Awards, and many reader’s choice awards. Robin was the Book and Periodical Council of Canada’s Champion of Free Expression for 2022. In 2023, she was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence at the BC and Yukon Book Prizes. Robin was born in England, grew up in Ontario, and now lives on Vancouver Island.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Website: www.robinstevenson.com
Instagram: @robinstevensonwrites
Email: robin@robinstevenson.com
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A Hug on the Wind. Picture book. Orca Book Publishers, Victoria. Forthcoming spring 2025.
Queer History A-Z: A Hundred Years of Activism. Juvenile non-fiction. Kids Can Press, Toronto. 2024.
Kid Olympians: Summer. Juvenile non-fiction. Quirk Books, Philadelphia. 2024.
Kid Trailblazers: True Tales of Childhood from Changemakers and Leaders. Juvenile non-fiction. Quirk Books, Philadelphia. 2022.
When You Get the Chance. Young Adult Fiction, co-written with Tom Ryan. Running Press Kids, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2021.
Kid Innovators: True Tales of Childhood from Inventors and Trailblazers. Juvenile non-fiction. Quirk Books, Philadelphia, 2021.
Pride Puppy. Picture Book. Orca Book Publishers, Victoria, BC, 2021.
Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle. Juvenile non-fiction. Orca Book Publishers, Victoria, BC, 2020.
Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change. Juvenile non-fiction. Quirk Books, Philadelphia, 2019.
Ghost’s Journey: A Refugee Story. Picture Book. Rebel Mountain Press, Nanoose Bay, BC, 2019.
…and more!
VIVIAN ROSAS
Vivian Rosas is a queer Mestizx/Latinx artist based in Toronto. Her illustrations and murals often explore themes of feminism, empowerment and diversity. She has had the pleasure of illustrating for younger readers, having worked on three children’s books to date and has worked with the likes of Pride Toronto, Roots, Kiehl’s, and Nike. Her illustrations have also appeared in such publications as the Globe and Mail, Reader’s Digest Canada, and The Walrus.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Website: www.vivian-rosas.com
Instagram: @vivianrosas
Email: vivianrosass@gmail.com
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kyi, Tanya Lloyd, and Julia Kyi. Better Connected. Orca Book Publishers, 2022.
Maruno, Jennifer. Momma’s Going to March. Groundwood Books Ltd, 2024.
Stevenson, Robin. Queer History A to Z. Kids Can Press Ltd, 2024.
