Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

by Rob Sanders, Steven Salerno (Illustrator)

The very first picture book about the remarkable and inspiring story of the Gay Pride Flag!

In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today’s world. Award-winning author Rob Sanders’s stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno’s evocative images, combine to tell this remarkable—and undertold—story. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride.

Genres: Picture Books, LGBT, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Childrens, Queer

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 10, 2018

About the author

Rob Sanders does not work as a telephone sales rep, a loading dock worker, a trophy engraver, or an editor. But he used to. Rob is not a cowboy, a ballerina, an alien, or a temper-tantrum-throwing toddler. But he writes about them. Rob is a picture book author, a writing teacher, a blogger, and a great uncle. He worked for fifteen years in religious educational publishing as a writer, editor, editorial manager, and product designer. These days he teaches elementary kids about books and words and reading and writing, and writes books for those same kids.

Rob’s first picture book, COWBOY CHRISTMAS, was released by Golden Books/Random House in 2012. OUTER SPACE BEDTIME RACE was released by Random House Children’s Books in January 2015. RUBY ROSE ON HER TOES (the first in a two-book deal with HarperCollins) releases in 2016, and Rob just sold RODZILLA to Justin Chanda at Simon & Schuster.

Rob also coordinates the Rising Kite Writing Contest for SCBWI Florida, organizes meetings for SCBWI Florida members in the Tampa Bay area, and critiques picture book manuscripts for other writers.

Reviews

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all those neigh sayers regarding the content of this book and not being appropriate for elementary age children...what better time to start teaching empathy, kindness, acceptance, understanding, and most importantly HUMAN RIGHTS than when one is young?!?!?

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the dark day Harvey Milk was murdered. This book took me back to that time but the message is very positive - well written with beautiful art. It is amazing to me how much hate there is out in the world; if we could all just try to work out our differences without violence I think that everyone would be surprised at how we really all have the same basic needs.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a more in depth biography of Harvey Milk is needed, this PB, focusing on the story behind the rainbow flag, which is representative of the LGBTQ community and movement for equal rights, is important to tell. No doubt there will be adults who wonder if this topic is "appropriate" for children. I say 1000% yes. "But this book talks about assassination!" And kids know all about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination as a hate crime. They can know about this hate motivated crime, too. "But it talks about gay people!" Yup! It sure does. And how wonderful that kids can learn about people who are undoubtedly in their communities, neighborhoods, classrooms, circle of friends, and families. This book acknowledges there are LGBTQ people in the world who just want to love the people they love, sharing equal rights with heterosexual people. "But there are protests and marches!" Yes, and what an excellent way to show children how they can exercise their First Amendment rights, be the cause for change, and to stand up when something is not fair. Count this in when diversifying your classroom library and be ready to share the message that love is love is love is love is love.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an introduction Harvey Milk and the Pride flag. Harvey helped create hope for people who felt different in this country and who people thought it was ok to treat less than human. He encouraged the creation of the Pride flag by Gilbert Baker as a symbol of pride and hope.

The movie Milk was a great movie and they did not really show the introduction of the flag, which is a little strange. They showed the flags waving after his death. Anyway.

I didn't know the beginnings of the flag. It's a pretty and beautiful book. People can stand up for themselves and help to change minds of fellow people. It is a great introduction story for kids.

My niece thought the rainbows were pretty. The nephew didn't have much reaction to this book really.

[Amber Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride was a well written nonfiction picture book that will make an excellent addition to any level classroom library. The text and story are simple enough for even the youngest learners to follow and the story has opportunities for in depth discussions with older learners. This would be a great book for #ClassroomBookADay to facilitate discussions about strength, leadership, change, power, control, politics and differing opinions.
On a personal level, I knew very little of the story of Harvey Milk and nothing of the story of the creation of the pride flag. I found this book informational and entertaining. I enjoyed taking some time to learn about this piece of history. Seeing the flag now will give me a new appreciation for what went into creating it and the movement behind it.

[graciela ༘♡₊˚༄ؘ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i had no idea who created our pride flag and im glad my friend and i picked up this book in the childrens aisle today. happy pride month ! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to introduce tiny humans to the world of Pride!
Beautifully illustrated and of course a true story.
I see this being my new go to gift for tiny humans.
It's educational and real without being boring.
There are notes and time line charts at the back for quick reference, but the book does a great job of hitting all the important facts while keeping it fun.
Fabulous start to Pride month with this one!!!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I brought this one home for myself to look at, but my 4yo picked it up (because, rainbows) and asked me to read it to him. I did so, and even though most of it was way over his head, he enjoyed looking at the beautiful artwork. I was ready for any questions he had, but he only had one. “Did you know that guy?” I said no, I did not, but he was a real person. “Oh. Can I have a popsicle?”

So, you know, he’s probably indoctrinated or whatever now.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for this one. As another reviewer noted, this picture book doesn't really do justice to Harvey Milk who deserves a more substantial treatment in a future biography. But it does provide the background to the creation of the rainbow-hued Gay Pride Flag and the hope that it instills. Older readers who remember those more repressive times back in 1978 will smile to see how far we've come in many respects while other, younger readers, may shake their heads in astonishment at how things were or perhaps wonder if there is a movement back to those times. Nevertheless, whatever the reaction, this is an important addition to a collection devoted to LGBTQ and civil rights concerns. After all, the flag simply represents what Harvey Milk and others dreamed of--fair treatment. In preparation for marches for equality, Milk had the brainstorm that the movement needed a flag, and Gilbert Baker, an artist, designed one to be carried during the marches through San Francisco's streets. After Milk's assassination, others began to fly the flag, modified from eight stripes to six, and it appeared across the globe, a symbol of acceptance and hope that things would get better. The exuberant and colorful illustrations make what might have been a dry subject more personal and dramatic. Biographical notes include information about the Pride Flag, Harvey Milk, Gilbert Baker, and the importance of June 26, 2015. There are also timelines provided in the back matter. I'm delighted to add this book to my classroom collection since so many students have only a limited notion of what civil rights entails. This picture book expands their conception of civil rights and equality with discussion of a very tangible, noticeable symbol.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was recommended somewhere but I cannot recall where or who. Speak up so I can credit you or forever hold your peace....
This is a book that will fill a gap in juvenile collections. We always need new biographies at the lower grade levels. This will help with that need. It also will assure those kids who might recognize the flag and reach for the book that it is normal to feel the way they do. Of course this book could and likely will get challenged so it might be best in branches with LGBTQ communities, which seems to be what my old system did. As several have pointed out, the text is limited. However, the back matter gives a bit more info on both Harvey Milk and the pride flag. This is also still limited. However, it is still better than nothing. We need biographies on both subjects at the YA level and I'm guessing at the adult level. If any nonfiction authors happens to read this, feel free to write that book!

[A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

My initial reading was that this picture book was superficial both regarding Milk (about whom a good picture book biography is desperately needed) and the flag.

However, I reread it a few years later and feel differently now. Sure, this isn't a deep dive on either subject, but the overall message is an important one, one of unity and advocacy for social changes. And I appreciate that it was written by an Own Voices author.

[Tonya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although this book depicts some historical accuracy, the content is not appropriate for a picture book meant for children. Topics and terms of LGBTQ, assassination, gay, protests, etc are not age appropriate for elementary children.

[BiblioBeruthiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a few minor issues with some artistic choices in this. Overall I liked the story and the art, however.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great basic info about Harvey Milk and the origin of the Rainbow Flag.

Would have liked to see in the additional information something about the different color's meanings.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing little book! So proud that my library owns this and that it was recently checked out. 💕

[Kyra Nay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This accessible picture book introduces young readers to gay rights activist and the one of the first openly-gay elected officials in the U.S. Harvey Milk, the Rainbow Flag’s creation by artist Gilbert Baker, and the history of the gay rights movement in America. Sanders captures the goals of the marchers on June 25, 1978, the first march that flew the Rainbow flag (the original design, with 8 stripes instead of the current 6) in straightforward, moving language:

Harvey and the people asked for equality.
They asked to be treated like everyone else.
They asked to live and love as they pleased.
They hoped the march would make a difference.

Meant for readers K-3, Sanders keeps some details sparse and focuses on Harvey’s dream of equality for all. The illustrations are appropriately colorful, bright, and joyous – I found the spreads of a mile-long flag created for a 1994 NYC march and the White House lit by rainbow lights after the Supreme Court ruled for marriage equality to be especially striking and deeply moving. The suggested resources at the end could stand to be a bit more robust and some of that sparse detail may hurt its Sibert chances (e.g. the White House spread includes the date but not the reason why the White House was lit up that way). However, this is a great new picture book title to display and promote – a perfect choice for upcoming Pride themed displays in June.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, kid-friendly biography about activist Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag he created with Gilbert Baker. It does mention that he was assassinated ("Their lives were taken by a man who did not think like Harvey, or feel like him, or love like him.") but it does not go into details. Instead, though book focuses on how he paved the way for future activism and encouraged people to show their pride. I loved the reminder of the night the White House was awash in the colors of the Rainbow Flag (something we will likely never see in the current presidency). The back matter includes biographical notes, time lines for Harvey's life and for the legacy of the Rainbow Flag, additional reading, and photographs. Salerno's illustrations perfectly encapsulate Harvey!

[ryan wilkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a must-read for all children. it’s not only history, it’s a picture book that maybe young LGBTQIA+ kids may connect with. it also shows that everyone deserves equality. to my surprise, i had no idea the history in the making of the rainbow flag, or that it had changed from its original design.

i’m so appreciative to Harvey, and all other activists and fighters for my rights from the stonewall era to today. it’s a fight i acknowledge and will always continue for acceptance and equality. we need support and to educate everyone from our neighbors to our future legislators, and it starts with educating the kids, who’ll become the future adults on this planet we call Earth!

[Ryan M. Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book. I did not realize the lives of Harvey Milk and the creator of the rainbow/pride flag (Gilbert Baker) were so connected. This is an outstanding book for young people to learn about one of the most prominent symbols for equality and the heroic life of Harvey Milk.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great bio for any kid to read. Be proud!

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Pride: The Story Of Harvey Milk And The Rainbow Flag, written by Rob Sanders and illustrated by Steven Salerno, a beautiful and moving ode to the banner of the LGBTQ community.

Harvey Milk had a dream. He wanted all people to be treated equally under the law; to love who they loved, be free to be themselves, and not be discriminated against. In 1977, Harvey became one of the first openly gay elected officials. The next year, he and his friend Gilbert Baker came up with a symbol to unite their community and the people who supported it, and to show pride. They created the first rainbow Pride Flag, and introduced it at a march for equal rights. Then later that year, the unthinkable: Harvey was assassinated because of one man’s hatred and fear. Yet despite his life being cut short, the seed of hope, courage, and pride that Harvey and Gilbert had planted with their flag had already taken root, and was beginning to grow.

Beautiful and moving. Like many luminaries that have tragic – and often tragically short – lives, it’s hard to tell Harvey Milk’s story in a child-friendly way, but this book does so with grace and a sense of hope. As Milk’s life story ends, the story of the flag becomes the focus, elegantly showing how it grew across the nation, then the world, ending with the note that on the day gay marriage was finally legalized in the United States, the White House itself wore the colors of Pride. It’s a delicate balance of history, tragedy, then encouragement and possibility, and it all fits together perfectly. The art is colorful, and the cast has a few very nice moments of inclusion that show how diverse the LGBTQ community can be. The length is perfect, and JJ adored the rainbows. This is a fantastic book to introduce young readers to, not only the story of the flag and the man behind it, but the equality and love it represents. Stunning, and Baby Bookworm approved!

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit to not knowing the rainbow flag story. Its first appearance was 6/25/1978 in the Gay Freedom Parade in San Francisco. Harvey Milk rode in that parade. Gilbert Baker designed the first flag with 8 colors: hot pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, indigo/blue, and violet. The following year of 1979 saw the colors drop to the 6 we know: ROYGBV

Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated in November of that first parade. This book is a very quick summary of Milk and the Rainbow flag. But it perfectly matches its intended target audience of kids.

Nice timeline in the appendix. Further readings: websites, books, podcast
Easy 5*

So, how does a fully truthful history book get wished to be banned?

I saw this book in the list of 800+ books attempting to be banned- by Texas state Rep Matt Krause.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/fi...

[Alex Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of rainbow flag is, ironically, one of hope. Harvey Milk had a dream that one day everyone would have equality, even gay people. Working towards making that dream a reality, Harvey ran for became the first gay person elected to a political office, city supervisor in San Francisco. Harvey knew that his cause needed something - a visible symbol of hope that would make people feel they were part of a community, something like a flag. Sure enough, Harvey's friend, artist Gilbert Baker, designed a Rainbow Flag, a flag that represents inclusion and diversity. Sadly, in November 27, 1978, Harvey and the mayor of San Francisco were assassinated. In their memory, the Rainbow Flag became a lasting symbol of equality, pride, hope, and love. This is such a well-done picture book, with detailed illustrations every bit as colorful as the Rainbow Flag.

[Alida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Mr. Sanders and Mr. Salerno. Well done. I'm very glad that libraries are carrying this book and making it available to LGBTQ+ parents and any other person that wishes to advance social justice. So many lives would have been saved if more these books could have been published in the 70's and 80's.

As to the topic of age "appropriateness" (we all know the meaning of that code word), it is precisely kids in this age bracket that needs to be educated and vaccinated against bigotry. This is how prejudice is reduced in future generations - story time by story time. Hopefully in a generation or two more there will be no more "this topic is not age appropriate."

[michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that focuses on positives rather than negatives. Harvey Milk is famous for saying "You have to give them hope," and that is the recurring theme in this book as this book is meant to give hope to the current and future generations. Steven Salerno's illustrations are marvelous. They bring the book to life and show the vivid spirit of the LGBTQ movement. The back of this book make it especially important as a nonfiction picture book because it gives not only great factual information, but provides a timeline of Harvey Milk's life as well as a timeline of the flag's life.

[MR · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although I understand the importance of teaching children about history, hope and equality, the subject matter of this book talks about much more than that. It talks about Gay activism, assassination, LGBT terminology, Gay marriage legislation, and much more adult content than children are mature enough to handle. This book is listed for audiences for grade level 3rd-5th grade. As a Pediatric Therapist and Psychologist, I can assure you that this content is not appropriate for this age group.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for books about gay history at my local library when I stumbled across this! If I ever have kids this is one of the books I’m gunna read to them!! It’s super cute and still informative, even to me! I never knew the history of the pride flag so it was a great introduction!

[Christine Heron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circumstances of potential censorship led me to this book. Such a special little treasure that depicts history with such a loving tribute to Harvey Milk. Shame on the negative Nellie’s who can’t appreciate being kind and accepting to all.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a breath of fresh air for the biography section. This is a step towards providing children with the ideas and thoughts that create equality and justice for all.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book