RAINBOW ALLIES – A Guest Review for Pride Month

June 17, 2025
goodreadswithronna
Accepting Differences, Ages 4-7, Bullying, Children's Book Reviews, Emotions & Feelings, Guest Blogger, Holidays & Celebrations, Holidays & Festivals - Gay Pride Month, Juvenile Fiction, LGBTQ+, Pride Month, Social Activism, Social Issues - Bullying

RAINBOW ALLIES:
The True Story of Kids Who Stood Against Hate

Written by Nancy Churnin

Illustrated by Izzy Evans

(Beaming Books; $18.99, Ages 4-7)

GUEST REVIEW BY AUTHOR DEKE MOULTON:

Rainbow Allies: The True Story of Kids Who Stood Against Hate written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Izzy Evans, is a picture book showing one example of how a community can come together to say no to fear and hateful tactics of othering those who are different.

Rainbow Allies int1 kids helping lesbian neighbors hang pride flag. — Interior spread from Rainbow Allies: The True Story of Kids Who Stood Against Hate, written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Izzy Evans, Beaming Books ©2025.

The story follows Brendan, Landon and Sommer—three kids in the neighborhood who help their lesbian neighbors hang up a rainbow flag over their porch. When they visit their neighbors the next day, they notice the flag has been ripped down and the house of Cari and Louri egged. ‘How could this happen in our neighborhood?’ everyone seems to want to know.

Rainbow Allies int2 Cari and Louri found their house egged flag gone. — Interior spread from Rainbow Allies: The True Story of Kids Who Stood Against Hate, written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Izzy Evans, Beaming Books ©2025.

Angry about the hate crime, the kids imagine possible solutions—some that I think we all will have at times of helplessness and frustration—including finding the culprits and egging their house as revenge (I truly appreciated these moments, as it’s not just something kids could relate to, but also adult readers who can lead by their immediate angry emotions into doing something violent).

The solution the kids come up with is beautiful and demonstrates how love can triumph over evil if good people stand together in their love for one another rather than giving in to hate and revenge. I love that this is a true story—and I admire that the protagonists of the picture book themselves aren’t queer. The message that you don’t have to belong to a group to care for that group and stand with them in times of danger and trouble was particularly poignant.

Rainbow Allies int3 a bike parade of flags. — Interior spread from Rainbow Allies: The True Story of Kids Who Stood Against Hate, written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Izzy Evans, Beaming Books ©2025.

The art in this book is spectacular. Colorful palate, expressive, animated drawings (incredible as all the characters have ‘dot’ eyes, the illustrated still manages to pull off quick nuanced emotions), and showcasing diversity in every page – not only the inclusion of every pride flag, but also in the people (Jewish kid with kippah playing basketball was a welcomed surprise for this Jewish reviewer, but I was also awed by the multiple hijabis, disability inclusion, racial/country origin diversity!)

Back matter explains not only the real story behind the picture book, but also connects it to an antisemitic incident in Montana, demonstrating that hate looks familiar no matter who the target is, but love for one another can bring communities together.

Thank you to Beaming Books for sending me a copy of the book. I will be including it in my classroom library.

Author Deke Moulton

BIO:

DEKE MOULTON (she/her) (rhymes with ‘geek’) is a writer currently living in the US Pacific Northwest. She is a former US Army drill sergeant and trained as an Arabic linguist during her time in service. Don’t Want to Be Your Monster, her debut book, won the Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor Awards and was named one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Middle Grades of 2023. Her follow up, Benji Zeb is a Ravenous Werewolf, is a Sydney Taylor Notable Book and a Jewish Book Council middle grade finalist. She is represented by Rena Rossner with the Deborah Harris Literary Agency. Find out more about Deke on her website: Middle Grad Kidlit Author | Deke Moulton and on Instagram at @dekewritesstuff.

NEW PICTURE BOOK FOR PRIDE MONTH

It may be the last day of Pride Month, but here’s a book worth celebrating year round!

STRONG
Written by Rob Kearney and Eric Rosswood
Illustrated by Nidhi Chanani
(Little Brown BYR; $17.99, Ages 4-8)

Strong is the kind of feel-good picture book that demonstrates to children, through a real-life example, the benefits of being true to themselves and following their dreams.

In this accessible biography, readers learn how, from an early age, Rob Kearney showed an affinity for lifting heavy things whether that was milk bottles or bags filled with groceries. As he grew so did his strength. He could easily pull a tug-of-war rope or lift cheerleaders sky-high. This powerful ability made him feel good about himself as his interest in weightlifting blossomed. “But Rob’s favorite sport was weightlifting. It required him to use every muscle in his body.” Sentences like this one give readers a wonderful understanding of what it was that appealed to Rob and why he ultimately pursued weightlifting as a career.

Strong int baby — Interior spread from Strong written by Rob Kearney and Eric Rosswood with illustrations by Nidhi Chanani, Little Brown YR ©2022.

Rob’s life was forever changed after being introduced to the Strongman competition at age 17. He learned it was SO much more than lifting heavy weights. To qualify, he’d have to be able to pull a vehicle, flip an enormous tire, lift a log over his head, and lots more that’s described in fascinating backmatter. The art and prose depict how committed Rob became and how he trained before school by running, swimming, and lifting all sorts of things. At his fittest, he could lift over 400 pounds which is more than a refrigerator!

Strong int2 kid — Interior illustrations from Strong written by Rob Kearney and Eric Rosswood with illustrations by Nidhi Chanani, Little Brown YR ©2022.

Without ever stating the main character’s queerness outright, the authors describe how, when not in his workout garb, Rob had a truly original style with his hair cut in a Mohawk, along with a flair for dressing in bright, bold colors and patterns that were 100% him. They also show Rob coming in last place at his first competition which is realistic as well as smart to demonstrate to children. People do not automatically win. Success takes hard work. And Rob was determined. He also was in love. Chanani’s vibrant art pairs perfectly with the text and reflects Rob’s personality in all its Strongman glory. A favorite spread of mine is below.

Int art3 fire engine — Interior spread from Strong written by Rob Kearney and Eric Rosswood with illustrations by Nidhi Chanani, Little Brown YR ©2022.

While training Rob met Joey who motivated Rob to be himself. While it’s not clear how long after meeting Joey Rob went on to win the North American championship, what is clear is that Rob’s personal growth helped him overcome any challenges such as bullying and self-doubt he may have had on his journey. This picture book, full of hope and positivity is recommended for any child questioning their self-worth. Rob’s candid Author Note on how being openly gay helped “smash stereotypes” about sexual orientation and perceived strength reminds me of my former gay roommate in London who was a proud tri-athlete in the ’80s when laws still criminalized homosexuality. I believe this book does a great job of acknowledging and encouraging any children feeling unsure about themselves whether that relates to their sexuality or their self-confidence.