Overview and Outcomes:

This is a two-week Writing Root for Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders in which children begin by exploring the symbolism and the history of the Rainbow/Pride Flag before discovering the story and significance of Harvey Milk as well as other figures central to the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement of San Francisco in the late 1970s and beyond.  During this sequence of learning they will have the opportunity to write leaflets about the Pride Flag, speeches in role as Harvey Milk and to eventually create a biography of the activist’s life.  Further reading beyond the focus book is recommended throughout to gain understanding of the context.

Synopsis of Text

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

In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the 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. 

Text Rationale:

Pride is the true story of American civil rights activist and politician, Harvey Milk as retold by author, teacher and LGBTQIA+ rights campaigner, Rob Sanders. It is structured as an illustrated biographical narrative and as such it is highly accessible. It covers a crucial aspect of LGBTQIA+ history, linking with human and civil rights as well as teaching children about key figures in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.  

Links and themes:

LGBTQ+, human rights, hope, freedom, pride, equality, individuality, self-expression and justice

Date written: June 2020