This Day in June,

written by Gayle E. Pitman and illustrated by Kristyna Litten. 
Published by Magination Press (American Psychological Association) 2014.

This rhyming picture book, bursting with color and energy, welcomes readers to experience a pride parade and share in a day when everyone is united in fun and celebration.  While written for younger kids (ages preschool through third grade), this book will appeal to people of all ages, and is especially important to read and share during Pride Month.  It is a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBTQ+ community.

Here are some of the lyrics from the book: 

This day in June … Parade starts soon … Rainbow arches …
Joyful marches …Motors roaring … Spirits soaring
Voices chanting … Doggies panting …Clad in leather …
Perfect weather … Artists painting … Sisters sainting
Banners swaying … Children playing … Dancers jumping … Music pumping …Sidewalk shaking … Tummies aching

Included at the back is a Reading Guide chock-full of facts about LGBTQ+ history and culture, giving detailed explanations of the images and allusions for every rhyming verse.
Additionally, there is a Note to Parents and Other Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways.

This picture book is an excellent tool for teaching respect, acceptance, and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, and loving yourself and others unconditionally.

Voted:
A Top Ten Title, American Library Association Rainbow List
Winner, Notable Books for a Global Society Awards
Named one of the most important books of the last decade by The Advocate’s “40 Under 40” list
Top 11 Most Challenged Books by American Library Association
Winner, Stonewall Book Award—Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award

Gayle E. Pitman, PhD (she/her) is a professor of psychology at Sacramento City College. Her writing, research, and teaching focuses on issues of gender and sexual orientation.  She lives in Northern California.

The Ann Arbor Bookstore – Booksweet – will be discussing
This Day in June for their June 5^th virtual Banned Book Club.

If you want to learn more and join the conversation visit Booksweet Banned Book Club virtual discussions.

Please note: Booksweet book discussions are *not* in the shop. They are virtual and registration is required.

This book review was submitted by Stand with Trans advocate Barb Shumer, who is a past board member and retired public librarian.