Rebel Girls Celebrate Pride 25 Tales of Self-Love and Community features the fascinating stories of 25 inspirational people from all over the globe who have campaigned and worked to ensure equal rights for the LGBTQ community. They’ve broken down barriers in sport, entertainment and science as well as overturned laws and created safe spaces where everybody can be themselves.
A foreword by Rebel Girls cofounder, Elena Ravilli, says that the stories ‘…will remind you that there is nothing wrong with who you are or who you want to be.’
We were particularly inspired by Lawyers Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katie who have successfully fought against anti-LGBTQ laws in India and Moji and Margaret Solar-Wilson who have created the Solar-Wilson Village, an African inspired safe place in Texas.
This diverse collection also includes sports heroes like tennis player Billy Jean King who runs World TeamTennis with her wife Ilana and paralympic swimmer, Theresa Goh. It features artists such as actor and activist, Laverne Cox, dancer and activist, Sherenté Harris, and actor and model, Patrica Velàsquez, who have all been instrumental in championing acceptance for everybody in the LGBTQ community.
Each short, easy to read story is shown on the left of a double page spread and accompanied by an illustration on the right. The illustrators, female and nonbinary artists from around the world, are all credited and it’s fabulous to see a variety of illustration styles.
Everybody featured in Rebel Girls Celebrate Pride has contributed a quote. Some of our favourites include;
‘The biggest example I want to give to my daughter when she grows up is to be strong, to come out of adversity, to be proud of who she is and to never deny who she is.’
Patricia Velàsquez (actor and model)
‘I think when a woman opens a door, you open it for all other women.’
Patricia Campos Doménech (naval aviator and soccer coach)
‘My responsibility is to fight for the best version of the future that I can.’
Darcie Little Badger (earth scientist and writer)
There are also activities at the end of the book. Readers are encouraged to write their own stories, draw their own portraits and celebrate themselves. The terms ‘gender identity’, ‘gender expression’ and ‘sexual orientation are also explained and children are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult if they have any questions.
Age Range: 6 +
Authors: Alexis Stratton, Jestine Ware, Shadae Mallory / Cover illustration: Annalisa Ventura
Thank you to Netgalley for the review copy of this inspirational book. You can also listen to more stories on the Rebel Girls app.
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