• Age: 10 to 18
• Grade: 5 to 12

"This compilation of stories of suffering and success follow some of Canada's LGBTQ+ athletes as they strive to do their best and compete while also struggling with being true to themselves." — Canadian Teacher Magazine
The 2018 Winter Olympics marked a milestone for LGBTQ+ athletes. Thirteen athletes out of 3,000 competitors were out and proud — nearly double the number who felt comfortable sharing their sexuality four years earlier at the Sochi Games. Many athletes stay closeted for their entire sports careers, often unable to compete at their highest ability because of the shame and self-doubt they feel in not being true to their orientation or identity. But coming out still means facing harassment from fans, teammates, opponents, and the media, and a lack of sponsorship opportunities. While organizations like You Can Play, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Egale Canada have made progress in recent years in promoting inclusivity at the grassroots and elite sporting levels, there is still much work to be done to ensure all athletes feel safe being their authentic selves.

Athletes profiled include swimmer Mark Tewksbury, rhythmic gymnast Rose Cossar, professional hockey player Brock McGillis, speed skater Anastasia Bucsis, pairs figure skater Eric Radford, volleyball players Betty Baxter and Christopher Voth and hockey player Angela James.

Generously illustrated with photographs and given context by an overview of the history of LGBTQ+ athletes in Canada, this book will make all young sports enthusiasts and competitors proud to play.

Erin Silver is an award-winning children’s author. Her books include Just Watch Me (Krystal Kite Award nominee), What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19 (Hackmatack Award nominee), Proud to Play: LGBTQ+ Athletes Who Made History, Rush Hour: Navigating Our Global Traffic Jam (Blueberry Award winner), Sitting Shiva (Vine Award finalist, TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award finalist) and Good Food, Bad Waste: Let’s Eat for the Planet (2024 American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books finalist). Erin was chosen to tour during Canadian Children’s Book Week in 2023 and is a sought-after speaker at schools, libraries and conferences. She has an MFA in creative nonfiction and a postgraduate journalism degree. Erin lives in Toronto.

Erin Silver's profile page

• Nominated, Rocky Mountain Book Awards
• Commended, Recommended Read - TD Summer Reading Club
• Winner, OLA Best Bets

This compilation of stories of suffering and success follow some of Canada's LGBTQ+ athletes as they strive to do their best and compete while also struggling with being true to themselves.

Canadian Teacher Magazine

"An engaging read."

Canadian Children's Book Centre Book News

"Readers are shown examples of success and acceptance, proving that change is possible, even in spaces where there is a long history of prejudice and intolerance."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Sure to be a hit with young readers interested in sports, LGBTQ+ history (and the present), and biographies."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Will appeal to kids participating in sports at all levels."

Canadian Children's Book Centre Book News

"A powerful reminder that change is possible and the world of sports can indeed move forward to become more accepting and supportive of LGBTQ+ people."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"A book that needs to find its way into school libraries all over Canada, to ensure all readers know they have the right to play and enjoy sports."

Storytime with Stephanie