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WORK TITLE: Dante Plays His Blues
WORK NOTES:
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BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://www.allenwriteswell.com/bio
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COUNTRY: United States
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RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Male.
EDUCATION:Attended college in Jackson, Mississippi.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Engineer and writer. Designs building engineering systems.
MEMBER:Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
[open new]Allen R. Wells is an author of insightful and inspiring children’s books. He was raised in Jackson, Mississippi, where he was fond of reading as well as solving puzzles and playing games with words. He and his friends created their own codes and languages. One of his favorite authors was Jacqueline Woodson, and a favorite book was John Steptoe’s Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters, because, as he told MacKids, the “representation of a dark-skinned king at the end of the book resonated with me and provided a positive affirmation of beauty in diversity.” While he has been a writer for as long as he can remember, Wells credited eight years of working at Toys”R”Us, while attending high school and community college in Jackson, with shaping his literary sensibilities. He has also lived in Atlanta, where he volunteered with Lost and Found, a mentor organization supporting LGBTQIA+ youth.
In his published works, Wells spreads positivity in the “Life through My Lens” series, plumbs wartime history in the “Beyond the Battlefield” series, and tells buoyant stories in books illustrated by collaborators. About the “Life through My Lens” books, which feature photographs taken by the four coauthors personally, Wells told Carson Dellosa Education: “I enjoyed having the opportunity to give young readers a glimpse of what I love, what my family looks like, and showing them that people have more in common than we realize.”
Wells’s inspiration for It’s Pride, Baby! came from the Black gay pride movement that emerged in Washington, DC, in the 1990s, recognizing and celebrating queer Black identities. With the annual DC Black Pride festival unfolding, two dads take their curious, excited child downtown on the subway to enjoy the parade among throngs of diverse people radiating good vibes. The illustrations, by Dia Valle, include murals of local historical figures on the walls in the background. Wells told MacKids, “Learning how I’m connected to this unique history inspired me to write a story that celebrates being your authentic self and that you will be loved for exactly being just that.” Wells added that the oft-repeated title phrase serves “as a declaration of self-acceptance, empowerment, and celebration of uniqueness, encouraging readers to boldly embrace who they are.” An author’s note includes information about supporting children who are coming out.
Matia Edwards remarked in School Library Journal that a “sense of affirmation resonates throughout the story and a further sense of empowerment flows through the vibrant pages.” Edwards found in It’s Pride, Baby! a “self-affirming mirror for many families.” Finding Wells’s “well-paced text” to be “flowing with loving declarations for every moment of the day,” a Kirkus Reviews writer affirmed that “proud history meets present joy again and again with the refrain.”
Wells gained deep appreciation for the blues, especially the Mississippi blues of BB King, in his quarter century of life in Jackson. Bluesman Bobby Rush, of Chicago as well as Mississippi musical heritage, was the grandfather of a college classmate of Wells’s and played annually at Jackson’s Fair Street Heritage Festival. Wells told PrideIndex that although he has never played an instrument, “I’ve always gravitated towards music because it’s always been a coping mechanism and inspiration. Music inspires not only my writing but also anything that I’m doing in life.”
Danté Plays His Blues finds young Danté and his mother obliged to leave their house in Luna Park, owing to limited resources, and move in with Danté’s uncles Ron and Joe and cousin Riley. Ron and Joe play music with the Jacktown Blues Boys. As Danté struggles to overcome his disappointment at leaving behind his friends and the city pool, Uncle Ron advises him to let his blues become his muse, and over the summer he learns the saxophone. Danté knows he does not play perfectly, but his soul shines through as he joins his uncles in a neighborhood performance.
Kate Newcombe of WebOnlyReviewsSLJ deemed Danté Plays His Blues “remarkable.” She proclaimed that the book’s text is “rich with humanity and compassion but never strays into the sentimental,” while the “issue of housing insecurity is handled with subtlety and grace.” In Booklist, Van McGary hailed the book as “gentle and moving”—“a tender story with a thoughtful message about coping and acceptance.”[close new]
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, July, 2024, Van McGary, review of Danté Plays His Blues, p. 87.
Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2024, review of It’s Pride, Baby!
Publishers Weekly, June 24, 2024, review of Danté Plays His Blues, p. 60.
School Library Journal, June, 2024, Matia Edwards, review of It’s Pride, Baby!, p. 72.
WebOnlyReviewsSLJ, July 12, 2024, Kate Newcombe, review of Danté Plays His Blues, p. 1.
ONLINE
Allen R. Wells website, https://www.allenwriteswell.com (January 4, 2025).
Carson Dellosa Education website, https://www.carsondellosa.com/ (February 22, 2022), author interview.
MacKids, https://www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/ (May 14, 2024), “MacKids Spotlight: Allen R. Wells.”
PrideIndex, https://www.prideindex.com/ (July 13, 2024), “Danté Plays His Blues: A Boy and His Saxophone.”
Allen R. Wells grew up in Jackson, MS where he spent a lot of time with his head stuck in a book or creating worlds through his words or solving problems and puzzles.
When he isn’t writing, he’s trekking around the world, designing building engineering systems. He currently resides in VA.
He is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Allen R. Wells Interview
Feb 22nd 2022
Photo of author Allen R. Wells
This month’s spotlight author is Allen R. Wells. Allen is the author of the new fall series Beyond the Battlefield, which includes four exciting titles that feature stories from war times throughout history. One of the series titles, Journalists, will be reviewed in the October issue of Booklist! Read on to learn more about Allen, the Beyond the Battlefield series, and his new, upcoming series for Rourke!
Q: How did you get started writing books for young readers?
A: Well, I have always been a writer, but after working at Toys“R”Us for eight years while I was in school, my writing actually became a reflection of that job.
Q: What books did you love when you were a young reader?
A: Oh, I have so many! Some of my favorite books as a young reader were John Steptoe’s Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters, The Stories that Julian Tells, The Stranger Thing That Happened to Allen Brewster, Animal Farm, and anything written by Jacqueline Woodson. These are just a few, though!
Q: In your series, Beyond the Battlefield, you wrote about many lesser-known people from history. What was the most surprising thing that you learned?
Picture of Beyond the Battlefield children's storybook series
A: I was surprised to learn about Alan Turing and the amazing contributions that he made to the field of the computer science. More specifically, how he created a system that was used to break codes.
Q: If you could meet one of the people highlighted in this series, who would it be and why?
A: I would have loved loved to have met the Choctaw code talkers. As a kid, I always enjoyed solving puzzles, and even created my own codes and languages with my friends.
Q: What do you hope young readers will learn form these titles?
A: I would hope that young readers would take away the idea that you don’t have to be in the forefront to make a difference.
Q: You just finished working on a series for Rourke that will be available in just a few months, Life Through My Lens. Tell us a little about working on this series.
A: I really enjoyed working on this series. I enjoyed having the opportunity to give young readers a glimpse of what I love, what my family looks like, and showing them that people have more in common than we realize.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
A: First, don’t ever give up. If writing is what you love, then continue to read and write every day. Like any muscle, you mind requires consistent training.
Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing books?
A: I love being in nature and listening to all the sounds. I also love to travel and get lost in cities that I have never been to before.
The Beyond the Battlefield series lets kids explore the challenges and roles of heroes both on and off the battlefield. Each book focuses on the stories of individuals who worked in secret, in danger, or on the homefront during times of war in the United States. Filled with vivid illustrations and easy-to-read text, this series highlights the impact these heroes had on history and is perfect for any classroom or homeschool setting with young children.
MacKids Spotlight: Allen R. Wells
May 14, 2024
Allen R. Wells author spotlight
This month’s Author Spotlight highlights Allen R. Wells, author of It’s Pride, Baby!, a joyful picture book debut encouraging kids to take pride in themselves and know they are loved no matter what.
What was your inspiration behind this book?
Allen: I was inspired to write It’s Pride, Baby! After diving into the history of the Black Pride Movement, which began in Washington, DC in the 1990s. The movement which was created to celebrate, recognize, and appreciate the richness that comes from being black and queer. Learning how I’m connected to this unique history inspired me to write a story that celebrates being your authentic self and that you will be loved for exactly being just that–your authentic self.
You included an author’s note in the back of the book about the history of the Black Gay Pride Movement and information about how to support children who are coming out. Why did you think it was important to include these topics in the book? What kind of discussions do you hope this book starts?
Allen: I included the author’s note and information about how to support children because I wanted to provide context and resources for readers to further explore and understand what the themes addressed in It’s Pride, Baby! I wanted to highlight the historical significance and contributions of black queer people. It serves to educate readers on the resilience and diversity within the LGBTQAI+ community. Identifying ways to support children who are coming out acknowledges the real-life implications of the book’s themes. It gives parents, readers, educators, and caregivers access to resources and support networks that can help promote meaningful discussions and safe spaces for queer youth.
I hope that It’s Pride, Baby! Sparks discussions about identity, acceptance, and the importance of celebrating how we show up through love.
Do you have a favorite spread in the book?
Allen: Yes! My favorite spreads in the book are pages 20-21 because it perfectly illustrates the vastness of the queer spectrum set against the backdrop of a warm sunset. And pages, 24-25 and 26-27, because they perfectly capture a same-gender loving family just existing in the world.
I noticed that you repeat the phrase “It’s pride, baby” throughout the book what is the significance behind that phrase?
Allen: I wanted readers to have the opportunity to proclaim their pride in their authentic selves each time they shout the refrain. It serves as a declaration of self-acceptance, empowerment, and celebration of uniqueness, encouraging readers to boldly embrace who they are.
What was the most surprising thing about working on your debut picture book?
Allen: The most surprising thing was learning that black queer history has deep roots in Washington, DC., rather than Atlanta, which I had previously thought to be the epicenter of such history. Discovering this history expanded my understanding of how queer communities have thrived and made significant contributions in different locations throughout history. This discovery truly serves as a reminder of the importance of exploring and celebrating lesser-known narratives to gain a comprehensive understanding of history and its impact on the world.
Tell us about a librarian or educator who made an impact on you.
Allen: I’ve been fortunate enough to have been inspired by several educators throughout my academic journey. One teacher who stood out to me was my second-grade teacher, Ms. Nancy Ellis who informed my love of writing when gifted us with composition books and the art of journaling. Mrs. Beth Barlow-Williamson had an incredible passion for science, nature, and helping students discover new ways in which the world works. My high school teacher, Ms. Jayne Washington for influencing my professional self by fostering love and inspiring my career aspirations. Mr. Dow and Mrs. Beverly Fartheree for reigniting my love for reading and writing. My college engineering professor, Mrs. Yvonne Young Clark, not only taught technical skills but also emphasized the importance of inspiring future generations.
What was your favorite book when you were a young reader?
Allen: My favorite book as a kid was Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe because of the representation of a dark-skinned king at the end of the book resonated with me and provided a positive affirmation of beauty in diversity, especially growing up in Jackson, MS, during a time when colorism was prevalent.
Danté Plays His Blues: A Boy and His Saxaphone
July 13, 2024 esteemfeedback Authors of Note, Featured Stories Comments Offon Danté Plays His Blues: A Boy and His Saxaphone
Updated September 17
Illustrations by Shamar Knight-Justice
PrideIndex recently interviewed one of our favorite authors, Allen R. Wells, about his new book, “Danté Plays His Blues.” “Danté Plays His Blues” illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice, was released earlier this past summer. The book follows Danté, a young boy who, after losing his home, moves in with his uncles. Struggling with the changes, Danté learns to play the saxophone with his Uncle Ron’s help. The book beautifully explores themes of resilience, creativity, and the power of music to express and transform emotions.
This book draws inspiration from Mississippi blues and Wells’ personal experiences. It also addresses housing insecurities and aims to inspire readers to turn adversity into creativity. Moreover, the book subtly touches upon self-discovery, particularly relevant to the LGBTQIA+ community. Danté, the protagonist, navigates living in a new neighborhood and finds solace in music, which serves as a metaphor for his journey of self-acceptance and understanding.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
PrideIndex (PI): I am conversing today with children’s author Allen R. Wells, also known as Allen Writes Well. We last spoke a little over a year ago. How are you today, Allen?
Allen R Wells (ARW): I’m doing wonderful. How are you?
PI: I’m doing great. First, it was great finally meeting you in person this August in Atlanta for our PrideIndex cosponsored event, Artist in the Afternoon, a celebration of LGBTQIA+ art and culture. We’ll have plenty more opportunities for conversations, meetings, and events. If you would be interested and your schedule is flexible enough to have you sit on one of our panels in the future, we would love to have you.
ARW: I would definitely love that. I would love to take advantage of any opportunities you all have available.
PI: You released a second book this past summer, “Danté Plays His Blues,” and I wanted to discuss it with you. Tell us how you summoned your inner Charlie Parker or Miles Davis to complete this book.
ARW: I wouldn’t necessarily say I summoned my inner Charlie Parker or Miles Davis for “Danté Plays His Blues.” I really tapped into my inner Mississippi blues; as many people know, blues have their foundations in Mississippi. As you may recall from our previous conversation, I’m originally from and attended both high school and community college in Jackson, Mississippi. When writing the story, I thought about the Blues, with whom I fell in love. The Mississippi blues of BB King and the Chicago/Mississippi Blues of Bobby Rush. Bobby Rush also happens to be the granddad of one of my classmates. He would always come and perform at the Fair Street Heritage Festival, a yearly cultural Blues festival in Jackson, Mississippi.
PI: Thank you for quietly correcting me. Charlie Parker and Miles Davis are jazz, not blues. Moving on. Who does “Danté Plays His Blues” speak to, and what do you want your readers to retain?
“Danté Plays His Blues” is a story that resonates with all kids and all generations. It speaks to families struggling with housing insecurities and families who have never experienced housing insecurity or even know what it is. The book shares a perspective of the world for some families. I want readers to know that they always have the opportunity to plant themselves and firmly grow new roots where they’re planted. I also want them to feel that they can always turn things around, and at the end of any situation, there’s always an opportunity to turn their blues into their muse or sadness into joy. The book can also be a tool for parents and educators to initiate conversations about resilience, creativity, and the LGBTQIA+ community with children.
PI: Blues music isn’t just about depression. We, the African American community, found a way to get into it—a way to get sexy with our troubles, if you will.
ARW: Absolutely. Music is just one of those outlets that allows you to express your feelings and emotions healthily.
PI: Does this book actually have some therapeutic or cathartic qualities?
“Danté Plays His Blues” Indeed has therapeutic and cathartic qualities. It can inspire change in any person, motivating them to turn their challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. It’s a story that can uplift and inspire, showing that even in the darkest times, there’s always a chance for a brighter future.
Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
PI: Speaking of the Blues and your origins in Jackson, Mississippi, do you play an instrument, or have you played the Blues?
ARW: No, I do not. I’ve only been a spectator. I’ve always enjoyed the sounds of the guitars and raspy, soulful voices emanating from many Blues musicians and artists. Personally, I’ve never played an instrument. I’ve always gravitated towards music because it’s always been a coping mechanism and inspiration. Music inspires not only my writing but also anything that I’m doing in life.
PI: Let’s discuss that inspiration and your writing process for this book. Was it different from your other inspirations or processes you’ve used for other projects?
ARW: My process for writing “Danté Plays His Blues” was similar to my other projects. I start with a rough draft of the story, taking a day or two to write it. Then, I let it sit and marinate for a while before returning to make revisions. This process allows me to create a well-rounded, thoughtful story with a beginning, middle, and end that I hope will resonate with readers.
PI: I’m unsure if I asked this question in our previous interviews, but how does writing books for children differ from writing for adults?
ARW: It depends on word choice and sometimes on content in a children’s picture book. Kids can read anything as long as it’s approached thoughtfully. A way that kids can understand and make healthy choices based on what they’re reading. There isn’t a big difference.
Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
PI: You worked with Illustrator Shamar Knight-Justice, a mixed-media artist, educator, and fellow Atlantean, on this picture book. How does the relationship between the writer and illustrator work? How do you communicate your ideas to the Illustrator to help them capture and translate your words and vision into a multi-page art piece?
ARW: Typically, when I work with an Illustrator, either in the traditional or self-publishing industries, I might have a vision, but I will allow the Illustrator to create their own visual story from what I’ve written.
PI: What advice would you give others who want to enter the children’s book market?
ARW: A few pieces of advice. First, I recommend starting with research. They should go to their local libraries or bookstores and go to the children’s book section, sit down, and read the children’s picture books to see what’s in the market. Next, they should learn and understand the format and how to write a story. When people say they want to write a kid’s picture book, they don’t understand that kids’ picture books have limited text. They have certain themes and an air and flair to them. Finally, they should draft their story and get your manuscript down on paper. Then, you can start doing revisions. Once they feel their manuscript is ready, they can seek out different organizations to join it. Some organizations include The Society of Children, with writers and illustrators, Black Creators, and Kid Lit, who will help them hone their craft. They will help them hone their craft, introduce them to industry and literary professionals such as agents, editors, and art directors, and help them understand how to successfully publish a children’s picture book.
PI: “Danté Plays His Blues” was released earlier this summer, when and where have you been promoting it? Tell us where you’ll be going next in terms of promoting this or your next book? ARW: I just attended and participated in the Mississippi Book Festival in my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi, the weekend of September 14. I also sat on a festival panel and did a book signing. Then, on the weekend of September 20-22, I will attend the Shepherdstown Book Festival in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
PI: Is there anything more you want to share about this book or yourself?
ARW: A brief synopsis of the book, “Danté Plays His Blues:” This picture book illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice and tells the story of young Danté and his mother who are experiencing housing insecurity and then have to move in with his Uncles Ron and Joe. As Danté gets the blues and begins missing his friends and his old neighborhood, Uncle Ron teaches him to play the saxophone. They practice together every day. At first, Danté has a tough time learning to play, but his uncle teaches him to turn his blues into his muse, and he develops a different perspective on the situation that he’s in. He discovers the power of expressing his feelings through music. The book went on sale July 9, 2024, under Harper Collins Publishers and can be purchased at HarperCollins Publishers, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Bookshop, Target, and Walmart. People can also visit my website at allenwriteswell.com.
PI: Are there LGBTQ themes in this book as well?
ARW: They’re subtly represented in the story with Danté’s two uncles. They are the community that takes him and his mother in when facing housing insecurity. They also represent their intergenerational extended family, including their son, Riley.
PI: Lastly, what are you working on next?
ARW: I’m working on a Young Adult novel set in Atlanta. It focuses on the fictional program that the 17-year-old protagonist gets accepted to. One of the initiatives that he’s a part of supports LGBTQIA+ youth, and he mentors these kids.
While living in Atlanta, I used to volunteer with Lost and Found. After volunteering, I wanted to find a way to stay involved with helping LGBTQIA+ youth, whether by inspiring them through creative writing or, from my engineering background, helping them understand the other aspects of the World of Science. I wanted to be involved, which inspired me to write this Young Adult novel.
I also invite people to follow my socials at AllenWritesWell, such as Instagram, AllenWritesWell Twitter/X, and AllenWells Facebook.
WELLS, Allen R. Danté Plays His Blues. illus. by Shamar Knight-Justice. 32p. HarperCollins. Jul. 2024. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780063216259.
Gr 1–5—At the opening of this remarkable book, Danté and his mother are driving away from a home that they can no longer afford. They are taken in by family: uncles Ron and Joe and cousin Riley. Keenly aware of the young boy's feelings of loss and displacement, the men encourage him to take part in an activity that runs through their bloodline: music. "Turn yo' blues into yo' muse," exhorts Uncle Ron, and with practice and fortitude, Danté does just that, culminating in a gutsy public saxophone performance. The depiction of a strong Black family unit, with Danté's circle of support around him and his mother, is a beautiful thing to behold. The text is rich with humanity and compassion but never strays into the sentimental, while the illustrations are a pitch-perfect complement to the writing. The collage artwork bursts with intriguing snippets of scraps, photos, and ephemera that comprise an energetic portrait of Danté's life. Each page is alive with texture and color, and the characters' facial expressions go a long way toward illuminating their inner lives. The issue of housing insecurity is handled with subtlety and grace, laid out enough for young readers to understand without whitewashing reality.
VERDICT: This is an exceptional work that deserves the widest possible audience; highly recommended for all collections.—Kate Newcombe
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Library Journals, LLC
http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/reviews/xpress/884170-289/xpress_reviews-first_look_at_new.html.csp
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Newcombe, Kate. "Danté Plays His Blues." WebOnlyReviewsSLJ, vol. 70, no. 7, 12 July 2024, p. 1. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A802235123/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=c8f7b969. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
Dante Plays His Blues.
By Allen R. Wells. Illus. by Shamar Knight-Justice.
July 2024. 32p. Harper, $19.99 (9780063216259).
PreS-Gr. 3.
Wells teams up with bestselling illustrator Knight-Justice in this gentle and moving picture book about a young boy experiencing housing insecurity. Dante and his mom lose their home in Luna Park and move in with Uncle Ron, Uncle Joe, and cousin Riley until they can get back on their feet. Dante and his mom are saddened by their circumstances, and Dante especially misses his friends and their old city pool. Their family gives them a big welcome and Dante and his mom soon cheer up when they hear music from the uncles--who play with the Jacktown Blues Boys--and Uncle Ron introduces Dante to the saxophone. After Dante expresses his frustration over losing their home and all that he's missing out on, Uncle Ron urges Dante to "Turn yo' blues into yo' muse." Dante continues to play all summer, pours his feelings into his music, and slowly comes to terms with his situation. The mixed-media illustrations feature multiple vibrant hues of blue along with unusual textures and patterns, including sheet music. Expressive and detailed facial features highlight and celebrate the characters' emotions. A tender story with a thoughtful message about coping and acceptance. --Van McGary
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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McGary, Van. "Dante Plays His Blues." Booklist, vol. 120, no. 21, July 2024, p. 87. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A804616007/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=7e7a7ca4. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
Dante Plays His Blues
Allen R. Wells, illus. by Shamar Knight-Justice. HarperCollins, $19.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-06-321625-9
In Wells and Knight-Justice's joyfully jazzy tribute to the blues, Dante and their mom, who must leave their house in Luna Park, move in with Dante's musically inclined uncles and supportive cousin Riley. Mourning their lost home and navigating the change, Dante is introduced to the saxophone--"Don't worry. Once you start practicing, you'll find yo' sweet spot," Uncle Ron says. Told to "Turn yo' blues into yo' muse," Dante pours his experiences into playing sax, and is soon ready to perform with his uncles for the whole neighborhood, an occasion that underlines a key theme: "It isn't perfect,/ but I keep playing." Paint and crayon effects embellish papercuts and printed collage to create layered images; humorously crooked, misshapen notes portray Dante's artless first blow on the saxophone, transitioning to more composed renditions as the child's skill--at navigating music and life--grows. The family reads as Black. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 4-8. (July)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
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"Dante Plays His Blues." Publishers Weekly, vol. 271, no. 25, 24 June 2024, p. 60. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A800404902/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=5030309d. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
Wells, Allen R. IT'S PRIDE, BABY! Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Children's None) $18.99 5, 7 ISBN: 9780374390693
A family spends a delightful and affirming day at DC Black Pride.
"Lift your soul to the sky / Like summer sunbeams / Don't live behind clouds-- / You shine!" A Black family made up of two parents and a child get ready for the day ahead. Bonnets and durags come off as backpacks loaded with water and rainbow flags go on, and the family walks down their front stoop, boards the Metro, and takes to the streets to participate in the festivities and watch the parade. All the while, rollicking verse unspools these caregivers' affirmations for their child and their community. The radiant illustrations tell the story here, with Valle's soft, blended spreads immersing readers in the celebration and spotlighting moments of connection big and small. Wells' well-paced text works well with page turns, flowing with loving declarations for every moment of the day. Proud history meets present joy again and again with the refrain "It's Pride, baby!" as the concepts of family and togetherness expand from a focus on the parents and child to the whole Black, queer community (present and departed) in Washington. Backmatter offers a brief history of the Black Gay Pride Movement and explains how DC Black Pride has evolved over the years into a weekend-long festival. Also included are guidance and resources for supporting a queer child's self-discovery (complete with myriad Pride flags).
Jubilant. (websites) (Picture book. 3-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Wells, Allen R.: IT'S PRIDE, BABY!" Kirkus Reviews, 15 June 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A797463083/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=79b60697. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
WELLS, Allen R. It's Pride, Baby! illus. by Dia Valle. 32p. Farrar. Mav 2024. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780374390693.
PreS-Gr 1--A young child's queer dads encourage them to be unapologetically whoever and whatever they want. On the day of the Black Piide parade in Washington, DC, a child awakens joyfully knowing it's a big day. This may be the first such parade for the ungendercd child, who is both excited and curious at the same time. The picture book is bright, colorful, and reflective of modern times and many families. The illustrations progress seamlessly from scene to scene, making readers feel like they're actually at the parade with this family. Wells's story brings a community together to celebrate its uniqueness, individuality, and courage. Readers see the central family among clusters of people excitedly traveling to the parade by subway and on foot; everyone is rejoicing in the moment. A use of diverse characters spans race, ability, and age. Several of the paraders have natural hair sty les with braids, waves, and texture. The scenes make it easy for readers to find themselves in the event, whether queer or not. Throughout the big day, the dads affirm their child to stand up for what they believe. This sense of affirmation resonates throughout the story and a further sense of empowerment flows through the vibrant pages. The book also shines a light on the forerunners of the Black Pride experience. Illustrations of their faces along city murals make for a more powerful and historical story line. VERDICT For all elementary school libraries; the author provides a self-affirming mirror for many families.--Matia Edwards
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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Edwards, Matia. "WELLS, Allen R.: It's Pride, Baby!" School Library Journal, vol. 70, no. 6, June 2024, p. 72. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A798594622/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=51074297. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.