Non-Fiction

Queer History A-Z: 100 Years of LGBTQ+ Activism

An essential resource for young readers that details the people, events and places that have shaped queer history in North America. In this exploration of the history of LGBTQ+ activism in North America, middle-grade readers can learn about the people who led the fight for equality, the events that brought about change and the places where history was made. Presented in an A to Z format, with one topic per letter (“P Is for Pride”), the carefully curated entries include subjects such as coming out, youth activism, the history of the first gay-straight alliance and the ongoing issue of banned children’s books in America.

Queer History A to Z is a must-have resource for young readers, and a terrific jumping-off point for discussions about history, identity and the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community. With so many fascinating biographies and cultural history lessons throughout, it also makes an excellent general social studies resource. Eye-catching art by Vivian Rosas appears on every spread, capturing many of the iconic images of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Extensive back matter includes short biographies of LGBTQ+ activists, a timeline, a glossary, resources for kids, selected author’s sources and an index.

Available now! You can order directly from the publisher, from your favorite local indie bookstore (always a good idea!) or from the usual online booksellers.

Meet-the-Author of Queer History A to Z in this audio resource from Teaching Books!

Awards

  • 2024 Eureka! Excellence in Children’s Nonfiction Awards, California Reading Association- Honor Book
  • 2025 Yellow Cedar Award (Forest of Reading, Ontario Library Association) finalist
  • 2025 Top Ten title, Ontario Library Association’s Best Bets in Junior Non-Fiction
  • 2025 ALA Rainbow List
  • 2025/2026 Red Cedar Awards shortlist
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“Perfect for middle school and public libraries; an essential collection of LGBTQIA+ history with a wide array of content that is affirming and provides a starting point for research.”

~School Library Journal

“…well-written, varied enough for many ages, and will likely inspire insightful discussions… Stevenson infuses each topic with nuance and detail. As in all her nonfiction, she excels at describing complex topics in a way that’s easy for younger readers to understand… a worthwhile addition to any child’s library.”

~Quill and Quire

“Stevenson once again brings forward LGBTQ+ history, culture, and politics through accessible prose, made even more approachable through Rosas’ incredibly bright and expressive illustrations. Queer History A to Z is a must-buy title from an accomplished veteran of LGBTQ+ children’s and YA literature. Highly Recommended.”

~Canadian Materials

“Queer History A to Z is a must-have educational, inspirational, approachable, and engaging addition to any middle grade collection.”

~ABQLA (Quebec Library Association)

“a thoughtful and wide-ranging book offering informative and inspiring snapshots of people, movements, events, and concepts from LGBTQ history in the U.S. and Canada… This is bound to become a go-to volume for young activists and other youth interested in LGBTQ history and activism. Highly recommended.”

~Mombian

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