Be Amazing

Twelve-year-old Desmond Is Amazing, “a drag kid and LGBTQ advocate” in New York City, crafts an engaging introduction to drag and LGBTQ history that mixes the personal and the historical, cheering “the very brave people who fought to make it okay for me, or anyone like me, to be whoever we want to be.” Using a straightforward first-person perspective, he describes LGBTQ persecution; the Stonewall Riots and heroes Marsha P. Johnson and Silvia Rivera; and how the riots sparked the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, which later became Pride. He then shares his own experiences participating in Pride before relating how his fascination with drag began with RuPaul’s Drag Race. Throughout, clear explanations invite acceptance and understanding (“Anyone can do drag!”). Glynn’s vivid illustrations, washed in primary colors and electric with energized lines, have an exaggerated flair reminiscent of a couturier’s sketchbook. Includes a glossary and sources. Ages 3–6. (July)