The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford— Ally, Activist, and Co-founder of PFLAG

In the tradition of picture books centered on a parent-child bond, rhythmic repetition reinforces messages of love and acceptance in this biography of PFLAG cofounder Jeanne Manford (1920–2013). Structured as a question-and-answer narrative, Sanders begins with a wide-lensed query: “What does a mom do?/ Some listen and love./ Learn and lead.” A page-turn later, the phrasing tightens to reveal Manford’s specific actions: “What did this mom do?/ She raised three children./ Caring. Nurturing. Teaching.” Variations on the question subsequently repeat, referencing the figure’s roles as “teacher-mom,” “mom of grown children,” and “mom of a gay son,” as, following an attack that hospitalizes her child, Manford moves into LGBTQ allyship and establishes PFLAG, modeling how a loving parent’s advocacy can impact families everywhere. Kalda’s crisp, ’60s-influenced digital illustrations provide an equally strong through line, representing connectivity between individuals of varying abilities and skin tones. Expansive support materials conclude. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)