One Day in June: A Story Inspired by the Life and Activism of Marsha P. Johnson

In front of a purple timepiece whose design resembles the Riis Park Memorial Clock, a crowd enjoys the surf and sand. “Marsha sure does love this scene,” an unnamed narrator declares, “Do you know about Marsha?” The following pages introduce activist Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992), a Black trans woman, describing in reverent lines and anecdotes the way she moved through the world—she “loved people just as they were, and she had a good time doing it.” Tourmaline movingly explains how people still benefit from the figure’s work, and how Johnson’s dedication to creating change by showing up for others “has never been more alive.” Alternating between historical scenes and depictions of a modern-day protest at the Brooklyn Museum, Kristensen’s electric-hued illustrations focus solidly on community, affectionately painting Johnson as a larger-than-life star who passed her deep knowledge to others. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (May)