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Rainbow: A First Book of Pride was originally from 2019. Therefore, it is just an introduction to the rainbow flag with none of the “extras” we see today. It is a way to show how the GLBTQ+ community is not separate, but part of “the bigger picture” of things. Each strip of color has a meaning (red for life, green for nature) that is a concept a child can understand. Michael Genhart created a story that is simple, even simplistic, but not in any negative way. And Ann Passchier created illustrations that are bubble-like cartoon flavor. They are colorful, little details that engage but do not overwhelm. Best for the younger end of the spectrum of listeners and learning to read, this is a book that is accessible to most people.
I like reading diverse books because they do not just show people who have not been represented people just like them, but also shows there are people who don’t look like, or act like me. The Sikh father and daughter of Hair Twins by Raakhee Mirchandani has a special bond. And that is a relatable concept, but what makes this father/daughter duo special is how they spend time together, how that bond is shown, and their love for each other by a special ritual of helping the other with their hair practices. At the end, we learn this book is based on the husband and daughter of the author and how they use their hair to honor their religion, their people’s past and make a place for themselves in the US. The art of Holly Hatam is sweet, colorful, diverse, cartoon-like but not cartoonish illustrations.
Both work well as a one-on-one read, but Hair Twins can be also a good classroom book. and I am on the hunt for a copy of My Diwali Light by Mirchandani to round out my diverse collection.
