Queer History A to Z is an accessible, well-written, beautifully illustrated book for young (and young at heart) people.

On my personal journey to becoming an anti-oppressive educator and just generally a compassionate global citizen, I try my best to read and learn more about people, places, ideas, and things that are new to me. And did I ever learn after reading today’s book!

Suitable for young readers in the middle-grades, QUEER HISTORY A-Z: 100 YEARS OF LGBTQ+ ACTIVISM (written by Robin Stevenson, illustrated by Vivian Rosas, published by Kids Can Press) is a comprehensive compilation of all the activists, trailblazers, and significant events of the 100 years of fighting for equal rights and justice for the LGBTQ+ community in North America. This essential resource also explores the barriers and obstacles WITHIN the LGBTQ+ community, such as the fight to recognize the identities of transgender, non-binary, Black and other racialized individuals. The back matter includes more mini bios of LGBTQ+ activists, a timeline of queer activism in the past 100 years, a glossary, as well resources for young readers.

In my opinion, this book is essential for every inclusive bookshelf. Not only would readers, young and old, be able to learn more about the history of queer activism, which cultivates anti-oppressive mindsets, this book is full of teachable opportunities. Young readers can see how activism functions in our world, why it is needed, and that they too, can stand up for justice. Exploring the concept of intersectionality (intersecting identities) would help readers engage in critical thinking and meaningful learning.

Very insightful book, and very beautiful connection between ideas and information. I absolutely LOVE learning about queer history, it's something very important to me as a queer person and this book introduced me to the history of many points in queer history, I wasn't aware of. The part about the history of drag particularly stood out to me as it's not something I know a lot about. IT really drew my attention to the amazing and diverse history of drag and the impact it has on the queer community. I really have nothing negative to say about this book, it works as an introduction and to dive deeper in queer history.

This is the perfect book for individuals of all ages really. I know it’s set for children in ABC format, but it provides clear details of events, captivating illustrations and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC!
This book was AMAZING! The illustrations were beautiful, the information was clear, digestible and informative, it covered both influential moments, places, people and important vocabulary and was just so well rounded. I also love the further reading and resources at the end.
I cannot wait for this to be published so I can buy a copy for the library. Thank you, Robin Stevenson and Vivian Rosas!

This is a great, beautifully designed book. I liked that it talked about people and items, every other letter. The idea for X is funny though.

"Queer History A to Z" knocked my socks off with every page and I feel more connected to my community after reading it. I was lucky enough to be approved for an advanced copy through NetGalley and I'm so grateful.

The history of queer advocacy is deeply entwined with the BIPOC community. This book fully brings that to light and taught me so many things about queer history and by extension, about myself. Things that should be taught as part of a middle or high school history class, but never will be. Buying this book and going through the letters one by one would be a great way to introduce these concepts, historical figures, and events to your kids.

I highly recommend this book not just to middle readers, but to EVERYONE. The research, depth of knowledge, and acknowledgment of BIPOC contributions to the culture and community make this book a must-read. The hardcover comes out on May 7th on Amazon and I've already got it pre-ordered

I loved how quick & simple this is for middle graders looking to learn more about queer history! The format was simple to follow and they packed a lot of information simplified into this short book!

Fantastic, informativ book for children about lgbtq+ history in North America (and Canada). I must highlighted the form of A to Z, every letter has one significant event, term or figure with beautiful illustrations byVivian Rosas . Every term is explained in particular chapter or in the glossary in the end.

It's really important book and I'm glad it exists.

Definitely recommend everyone who wants to know basics. Even I learnt something new during reading, especially about importants figures as non-american gal I had some gaps.


Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book

When I started this book, I admittedly thought it would be for younger children (6-8), but after reading the first sentence, which seemed completely out of that age range, I checked and found out the intended audience is actually 10-14 year olds. Continuing to read, I can see how this book might appeal to young teens, ages 12 and up, but honestly, not to younger ones (10 &11). I work as a school librarian and even the children that age that read a lot, would put this book back after reading only the first page. Most sentences are too long and complicated and many of the word choices are as well, especially if there are far easier to use words available that children might actually know and use in their daily life. In favor of the book: it did explain a lot of said words in brackets after using them. Still, most 10 and 11 year olds would likely be put off reading it.
The topics and illustrations were great, I especially loved that the book stuck to the A to Z and didn’t abandon that to give a broader overview of queer history. They explained one topic, event or person for each letter of the alphabet and that was that. Still, the column at the end of the book showing more important queer people and events was nice as well.
The authors also chose a good mix of events, general history and influential people (not just white ones!) to give a good overview of queer history.
The book does focus on North America though, so I think it would be nice if other people wrote similar books focusing on their own countries or regions, because while all queer history is somewhat connected, North America is not the one all be all and it is well known that children connect better to books that include things personal to them. (This section is not a critique, just an fyi for readers.)

All in all a good book, if not entirely fitting for the intended audience. Even if you already know a lot about queer history, you might learn some more about it through this.

I want to thank Netgalley for the arc of this book. It has no influence on my opinion whatsoever.


Overall it this book was very informative and I would absolutely recommend it. It tells the history of activism in a very easy to understand language. The art was amazing and I love how there was a good mix of people and moments that where explained. I also loved the attention on indigenous people and their experiences with gender and sexuality.

However, and this is just something you should keep in mind, it only focuses on North America. So if you are looking for any resources for queer history, that’s just something you should know. I understand the authors need a focus, but I feel like a big part of the history is left out.
Once again, it was a book I very much enjoyed and it was an amazing read, and I would absolutely recommend, especially if you live in North America, but I did miss a wider view on queer history.

Very accessible book about the queer movement and history. As so often, it focuses too much on an americancentric perspective.

—Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Such an important book! So informative and fun. Everyone should read this.

This is such a great resource, but it's also written in such an interesting way that I felt like I was part of the story. There are so many details, even though it's a short book, and readers will learn a lot about queer history in the 20th century. It's shocking to think that gay people could be arrested for drinking under morals laws, and interesting to read about so many of the first time something happened.
The illustrations are great too, very bright and powerful. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

Can I give this 1000 stars?
Queer books give me so much joy, therefore they deserve all the love & all the stars.

There is so much to love in this glamorous book. Typically, I struggle with any sort of informative or historical books. Normally, the writing style bores me, causing me to have a hard time reading them. This is easy to read & also a ton of fun. There’s an abundance of information in such a small book. Dare I say…tiny, but mighty! The art was jaw-dropping fabulous & captured the essence of the LGBTQ+ community flawlessly.

Thank you to the author, publisher, illustrator, & to NetGalley for a copy of the ARC.

Happy reading!

This volume gives a broad overview of modern queer history in the U. S. and Canada. It is in many ways excellent, featuring diverse stories, many rarely told elsewhere - including indigenous voices. The diversity of persons profiled is a highlight. However, it unfortunately also sidelines some of the more broadly profiled queer heroes, such as Harvey Milk who barely gets a paragraph.

Queer History A to Z is a fantastic children's book to discuss the history and vocabulary of the LGBTQ+ community. Not only is it beautifully illustrated but it's incredibly informative and I found myself learning a lot of things I didn't know about our community. I will definitely be gifting my nieces and nephews with copies of this book, but I'll probably be buying one for myself as well.

The book cover is beautiful as well as the art within the book which I found myself smiling at an admiring.

Before we got started into the introduction we had the contents page and I wouldn't normally mention a contents page but I loved how it was presented with the capitals from A to Z.

This book was amazing. I found myself putting it down to look online for Jazz Jennings books The AIDS Memorial Quilt.

It was refreshing not just to read history but people I hadn't heard about before. I enjoyed reading about all the queer activist and the movement over time.

After I finished the book it was nice to see 'A Hundred Years of Queer Activism'. The glossary was great for anyone who might still not understand a word and then the LGBTQ+ Resources.

It was a short read but I got so much from it and I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to the writer and everyone behind this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an arc of this book

This A to Z style book is very educational about LGBTQ+ history. While at first glance it appears as though it's targeted towards children, I believe readers of all ages can benefit from reading this book. I feel like I know quite a bit of queer history, but I learned quite a bit from this informative book.

The illustrations by Vivian Rosas were absolutely beautiful! Rosas did such a great job with the visuals, and it really complimented the book.

Thanks kindly to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let's get real - how could you not love this book?!

A plain language and well-researched journey through North American queer history with superb, lovingly queer illustrations. It highlights key historical events, a wide range of activists, and leaves you hopeful and deeply grateful for our queer elders that paved the way for us.

For me, this was a solid primer and an impetus for further reading. Overall, genuinely a good read for all folks.