Queer History A to Z

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 is the award-winning author of nearly 30 books for kids and teens, many about the lives and histories of LGBTQ+ people. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and published in more than a dozen countries. Her book Pride was named a Stonewall Honor Book, and her novel Record Breaker won the Silver Birch Award.

Vivian Rosas is a queer Mestizx/Latinx artist based in Toronto. Her illustrations and murals often explore themes of feminism, empowerment, and diversity. She is the illustrator of Better Connected by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, a children’s book about how girls are using social media for good. Her work has been commissioned by Pride Toronto and appeared in such publications as the Globe and Mail and The Walrus.