l to r: Robin Stevenson (Credit: Stephanie Hull, Centric Photography) and Vivian Rosas (Credit: Jocelyn Reynolds)

Using an alphabetical list format works well in Robin Stevenson’s latest, informational text, Queer History A to Z. Stevenson, a Stonewall Book Award–winning author, is a prolific chronicler of LGBTQ+-themed fiction and nonfiction for children. The book features fundamental moments in Canadian and U.S. LGBTQ+ activism, and introduces trailblazing activists from different countries, eras, races, and gender identities. Although aimed at ages 10–14, the content is well-written, varied enough for many ages, and will likely inspire insightful discussions about this important topic. The colourfully illustrated primer introduces the history behind relevant terminology such as “drag,” and “zaps,” and the shifting usage of terms such as “queer” and “trans.” There are biographies of crucial figures such as Bayard Rustin, Marsha P. Johnson, and Urvashi Vaid, and sections on the historical context of Pride Month, police raids at gay clubs, and slogans such as “Gay is Good.” The text also includes recent LGBTQ+ history, including the story of Gavin Grimm, the youth activist who created the first gay-straight alliance, the concept of Indigiqueer, and the continuing issue of censorship of children’s books.

Stevenson infuses each topic with nuance and detail. As in all her nonfiction, she excels at describing complex topics in a way that’s easy for younger readers to understand; for instance, the explanation of why the now-popular term “queer” remains painful for some. Without delving too deep into the trauma, she writes, “Not everyone within the LGBTQ+ community has adopted the word. For some, especially people in older generations, the memories of it being used as a slur remain vivid and painful.”

Illustration: Vivian Rosas.

The book’s backmatter provides many additional resources for readers including biographies of activists not mentioned in the book’s main text, such as Canadian’s Jim Egan and Makeda Silvera. There’s also a glossary, a timeline of important events, and a helpful list of resources for further education on the topic. As activism is the backbone of this text, it aims to inspire pride in LGBTQ+ kids while explaining to allies that their continued support is essential. Although much of the history being celebrated involves struggle and necessary resilience, there is also a joyous energy radiating from Vivian Rosas’s vibrant illustrations. Each topic is accompanied by big, bright images, keeping the book aesthetically exciting even as it informs and teaches. Overall, Stevenson’s alphabetically organized text is a worthwhile addition to any child’s library, communicating the history of a crucial movement as it continues to shift and evolve.