Pride and Joy

Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming an LGBTQIA+ Ally

By Frank Sileo, Kate Lum-Potvin
Illustrated by: Emmi Smid
Foreword by: Vanessa Williams
Reading age: 3 and up

Reading length: 48 pages 
Release date: May 18, 2023

Joy loves her big brother, Noah. He's the best brother, skateboarder and cookie baker there is! So, when Noah is teased for being gay, Joy wants to help. But how?

Joy decides to become an ally - someone who supports others through their words and actions. With her best friend, Elliott, Joy takes action, baking 'Pride and Joy' cookies to raise money for the local LGBTQIA+ center. But when the bully tries to put an end to the bake sale, Joy learns that being an ally means using your words, too.

Written by an award-winning author team, and with charming illustrations throughout, Pride and Joy introduces children to LGBTQIA+ allyship and teaches them the value of inclusion and courage. Featuring a reading guide for adults and questions for discussion, this beautiful, uplifting picture book is a must-have for every young ally.

When Joy sees her brother become victim to a bully, she decides to take action and raise money for the local LGBTQIA+ center. When that same bully tries to end the bake sale, Joy learns that being an ally doesn't mean just raising money for the cause, it means standing up for what's right, even when its scary. 

This book puts being an ally into simple terms for children to understand. It made it easier for me to understand. Plus, in the back of the book, there are several notes to grown up allies. That's not the only bonus in this book there are also discussion questions and a few more books to put on your "to read" list. 

I love this book not only for the message but for the bright illustrations. Wish I could have had one of Joy's beautiful cookies. Guess my girls and I will just have to make some of our own!