Marley's Pride

March 1, 2024
A Black nonbinary child finds ways to navigate their sensory sensitivities during Pride. Every June, Marley wants nothing more than to join their grandparent Zaza at the Pride celebrations. And every June, just the thought of big crowds and loud noises makes Marley tense up with nerves, and, with a mixture of relief and disappointment, they tell Zaza to go without them. But this year, Zaza is receiving an award for their work with the trans community, and Marley refuses to miss it. Luckily, Marley has plenty of tools at their disposal--affirmations, breath work, noise-canceling headphones, and a stuffy to hug--and when the noise and bustle become overwhelming, Zaza is there to literally lift them up and remind them that, party or no, Pride is community and Marley is not alone. By the day's end, Marley has made new friends, celebrated their grandparent, and soaked up the sustaining joy of belonging. Retener's refreshingly inclusive tale lets young readers with sensory sensitivities see themselves not only in a book, but at Pride as well. Notably, the author makes clear that inaccessibility, not sensory needs, is the problem to be solved. Just as important is the inclusion modeled in Wiley's vivid illustrations, which depict a Black queer protagonist, multiple gender-expansive and -exploring support characters, and intergenerational queer representation. Color-saturated, cut-paper-style spreads capture the exuberance and cacophony of Pride celebration yet give both Marley and readers visual breathing room. Zaza is Black; other characters are diverse. Joyfully affirming. (glossary, the history of Pride) (Picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from April 1, 2024
It’s Pride Month, and Marley, a Black transgender child who has sensory sensitivities, is anxious about the upcoming festivities. But their grandparent, Zaza, is receiving an award for transgender advocacy and, after years of skipping Pride, Marley wants to attend. Preparations include self-talk and deep breaths as well as rounding up essentials (noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget spinner, and a favorite stuffed bunny), and Zaza offers comfort when things feel difficult (“If you want to turn back, we can head right on home”). But the day shows Marley that “You belong here. You aren’t doing this alone,” and prompts an experience of lightness and inclusion. Retener celebrates the communal spirit of Pride in this lively intersectional jaunt, which respects Marley’s boundaries through open communication. Wiley’s stylistically flat digital art supplies an eye-catching tableau of textural effects and solid rainbow colors, and inclusive character designs reflect a community of various abilities, body types, and skin tones. Detailed back matter, including a “What if you don’t like parades?” note, concludes. Ages 3–9.

May 3, 2024

PreS-Gr 3-Marley is worried. Their grandparent Zaza is excited about the upcoming Pride Parade, but Marley, a Black nonbinary child with sensory sensitivity, is worried about the noise and crowds and fears getting lost. Zaza is getting an award for their work for the LBGTQIA+ community and Marley wants to be there. Ultimately, Marley gathers their strength, joins a very supportive Zaza, and finds caring and protective friends. Seeing the joy and delight, as well as pride, in celebrating who they are, along with the acceptance of their new friends, enables Marley to overcome fear and anxiety. Brightly colored illustrations depict a community of many skin colors and abilities. The thorough afterword offers definitions, appropriate pronoun use, depictions of pride flags, and history, too. Educators may want to supplement this with some further reading. This sensitive work will be a valuable teaching tool to support children with questions concerning themselves or their friends. VERDICT A sensitive work, based in bittersweet lessons, this is also a practical guide to overcoming anxiety with the help of others.-Eva Elisabeth VonAncken

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from July 19, 2024
Grades K-3 *Starred Review* Here's a Pride Month picture book that gets it right. June has rolled around again, and Marley's nonbinary grandparent, Zaza, is thrilled, as usual. Marley loves Pride, too, being nonbinary themself, but they struggle with sensory sensitivities, and the local celebration's crowds and noise trigger their anxiety in a big way. Usually, they avoid going, but this year Marley is determined to try, as Zaza is being recognized for their work helping transgender people. The celebration proves a struggle, as expected, but with the love and support of Zaza, as well as some newfound friends, Marley is able to manage their anxiety and find comfort and belonging in their community. In a book industry where LGBTQIA+ identity has become a hot commodity, often resulting in generic Pride-themed titles, Retener's story attaches actual meaning to the occasion by telling a story from a specific point of view. Marley's journey of managing anxiety and finding their people will engage young readers on a deeper level, giving context and cause to all the symbology that colors Pride. The centering of two Black, trans-identifying characters is a boon, with merry Zaza and their swinging, gray braids and wispy mustache a particular delight. Thoughtful back matter further explores common questions around queer culture, history, pronouns, flags, and more. A lovely story that provides an accessible vehicle for true understanding of community, love, and pride.

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January 1, 2024
Marley is somewhat apprehensive about attending crowded, noisy Pride in this reassuring, intersectional picture book. Full-bleed illustrations full of bold patterns center a brown-skinned family and depict a diverse Pride celebration. Back matter gives more information about Pride and its history.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)