Pride in Sports by Emilie Dufresne, Designed by Danielle Rippengill

Some I knew, others were new to me, but it was all fun to explore this sampling of Out and Proud Queer athletes.

I particularly appreciated the inclusion of athletes of color like Parinya Charoenphol and Nicola Adams, and disabled queer athletes Moran Samuel and Lee Pearson, which opens up a discussion about intersectionality and how all of us are more than just “one” identity.

Special shout out to the “Be An Ally!” section in the back, which offers suggestions for kid readers like:

Include Everyone: If you are playing a game, make sure everyone is included and gets a turn. If you notice someone is being left out on purpose, make sure you ask if they want a turn. If someone is being picked on and doesn’t want to play, make sure you tell a grown-up you trust.

Published by a UK publisher (with U.S. distribution), the language reads a bit British “colours” rather than the American “colors” but that feels like just another piece of diversity worth celebrating.

I really appreciated the sports figure quotes in talk bubbles, but I wish the book had the quote sources listed. I also liked the inclusion of four photos of athletes at the end, driving home that these are real people participating in sports today. Overall, it’s definitely a picture book I wish had been read to me when I was a little kid.

“Pride In… Sports” is part of a series that covers other topics as well, including Change, The Arts, and STEM. I’ll be looking at those next. Thanks to the publisher/distributor for sharing review copies with me.

Add your review of “Pride In… Sports” in comments!