Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders - ADVISABLE

Sanders, Rob Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, illustrated by Steven Salerno. NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2018. $18. 9780399555312.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Harvey Milk was a key gay rights activist in the 1960's and 70's. He ran for office and was elected in San Francisco. Shortly thereafter, he and his friends planned marches to protest the inequality they saw in American society toward lesbian and gay people. Harvey wanted a symbol to give hope to the cause and enlisted artist Gilbert Baker to create a flag. The rainbow flag Baker created became a lasting symbol of the movement--one that still stands long after Milk's shocking assassination in 1978.

This was a pretty typical nonfiction picture book in that it chooses a theme (hope and dreams) to tell the story of a figure of historical importance. The illustrations are perfectly suited to the purpose and the basic story of Harvey Milk and the establishment of the Pride Flag comes out fine.  There is a nice biographical note at the back, as well as a timeline and suggestions for further reading on the subject. This book definitely seeks to honor the work of Harvey Milk and memorialize the huge strides made in the search for LGBTQIA+ equality, and as such I am sure it will not be welcomed in all communities. Still, it is an important book to have available when covering all your bases on the continued quest for true equal rights in America.

Reviewer: TC