• Age: 10 to 14
• Grade: 5 to 9
• Reading age: 10 to 14

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 more than 25 books for kids and teens, including the board book Pride Colors, the picture book Ghost’s Journey: A Refugee Story and the nonfiction books Kid Activists and Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle. The first edition of her nonfiction book Pride: Celebrating Diversity & Community (2016) won a Stonewall Honor and was shortlisted for numerous other awards. Robin lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where she attends Pride celebrations with her family every year, but always leaves her dog safely at home.

Robin Stevenson's profile page

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.

Vivian Rosas' profile page

• Short-listed, Forest of Reading; Yellow Cedar Award, Ontario Library Association
• Commended, Eureka! Excellence in Children's Nonfiction Award, California Reading Association

... a must-have educational, inspirational, approachable, and engaging addition to any middle grade collection.

The Quebec Library Association (ABQLA)

Perfect for middle school and public libraries; an essential collection of LGBTQIA+ history.

School Library Journal

... there is also a joyous energy radiating from Vivian Rosas's vibrant illustrations. Each topic is accompanied by big, bright images, keeping the book aesthetically exciting even as it informs and teaches ... a worthwhile addition to any child's library.

Quill & Quire