Rainbow Revolutionaries: 50 LGBTQ+ People Who Made History is a middle grade illustrated nonfiction book published by HarperCollins Children’s in May 2020. Read an excerpt here and listen to a clip from the audiobook here.
Take a journey through the lives of fifty revolutionary queer figures who made history in this groundbreaking illustrated biography collection from the author of Queer, There, and Everywhere. Did you ever wonder who invented the computer? Or who advised Martin Luther King Jr. on his nonviolent activism? Author Sarah Prager and illustrator Sarah Papworth bring to life the vibrant histories of fifty pioneering LGBTQ+ people our history books forgot to mention. 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! From athletes (Billie Jean King) to doctors (Magnus Hirschfeld) and activists (Marsha P. Johnson) to painters (Frida Kahlo), LGBTQ+ people have made their mark on every century of human existence. This book is a celebration of the many ways these hidden heroes have made a difference and will inspire young readers to make a difference, too.
Buy now
Available now as a hardcover, ebook, and audiobook! Check out the many independent bookstores selling Rainbow Revolutionaries by searching Indiebound or Bookshop.org.
Would you like a signed copy? All She Wrote Books ships personalized signed copies worldwide.
Book Buzz
Rainbow Revolutionaries has been included on these lists:
- NBC’s 10 LGBTQ Books to Watch Out for in 2020
- WBUR’s 10 Reading Recommendations
- Lambda Literary’s Most Anticipated LGBTQ Books of May 2020
- NewNowNext’s 11 Queer Books We Can’t Wait to Dive Into This Summer
- Time Out’s 15 LGBTQ+ Books for Kids to Read during Pride Month
- San Francisco Chronicle’s Parade of LGBTQ Books for Children
- Book Riot’s 10 of the Best LGBTQ+ Middle Grade Books that Celebrate Pride
- Romper’s Children’s Books About LGBTQ+ Heroes & Events That Changed The World
- Think or Blue’s 25 Books for Feminist Kids
- Mombian’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide to LGBTQ-Inclusive Kids’ Books and Music
Author Sarah Prager has written about the book in interviews and guests posts here:
- Guest Post in We Need Diverse Books
- Interview in From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle Grade Authors
- Q&A in Curve Magazine
- Interview in History Is Gay podcast
- Interview in Connecticut Voice
- Q&A in Bostonia
- Guest Post in HarperStacks
- Q&A in Forbes
- Q&A in Kids’ Book Review
Praise
“Prager presents each figure with enthusiasm and provides lots of interesting details that allow readers a glimpse into that person’s world.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“[A] lively look for middle grade readers at queer figures, present and past, who made an impact on the world…each accompanied by a dynamic portrait illustration by artist Sarah Papworth.” (Boston Globe)
“Easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. […] Readers will enjoy the ease of dropping in and reading a little bit here and there.” (School Library Journal)
“This super-attractive compilation does […] much […] for the queer community. […] One-page thumbnail sketches are neither dry nor formulaic but rather lively and unique.” (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Engaging and digestible bios [that] celebrate the stories of people who have made their mark on history while loving who they loved” (USA Today)
“Filled with exciting, inspiring and heartbreaking stories, this is a wonderful reminder of LGBTQ+ peoples’ contributions to history.” (Book Riot)
“[W]ill have the effect of inspiring young readers. For middle-grade readers, it will likely be a compelling volume. […] Prager writes in an informal, approachable style while also providing substantial facts about each person’s life and motivations.” (Mombian)
“Phenomenal! […] You need to order this book IMMEDIATELY, I cannot stress this enough.” (The Tiny Activist)
“The history book we need that no school ever gave us. […] Every child should know this history!” (Think or Blue)
“This engaging audiobook will leave listeners impressed by the courage, determination, and accomplishments of these extraordinary heroes who broke barriers and changed the world for future generations.” (AudioFile)