Common Sense Media Review
By Oliver Scout Guerisoli
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Iconic story of Harvey Milk's colorful life and dream.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As PRIDE: THE STORY OF HARVEY MILK AND THE RAINBOW FLAG opens, readers meet young Harvey Milk dreaming of a better world. He had a vision that one day, everyone would be able to live and love equally under the law. By running for office, collaborating with local artists to create the rainbow symbol, and organizing his community and allies, his dream was becoming a reality. After his assassination many thought the movement would pass with him, but it only continued to grow. The book ends with the White House aglow in rainbow colors and Harvey Smiling with his rainbow flag. End pages include biographical notes about the rainbow flag, Harvey Milk, Gilbert Baker, and the 2015 Supreme Court ruling about marriage equality. Harvey Milk's timeline, the rainbow flag's timeline, and resources for further study are also provided.
Is It Any Good?
Enthusiastic pride sparkles from the pages in this telling of Harvey Milk's visionary activism in 1970s San Francisco. PRIDE The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag is sure to inspire its readers and remind us all that pride of self is something we get to decide - not anybody else. Harvey's message is clearly presented along with his charisma and energy which are skillfully illustrated. The devastating assassinations of Harvey Milk and George Mascone, along with the largely negative public opinion of the LGBTQ+ movement at the time are thoughtfully and lightly addressed in an age appropriate manner. The pages that tell and show the candlelight vigil march are deeply affecting -- evoking emotions the attendees themselves surely must have felt. An empowering read with illustrations as colorful as the rainbow flag, Harvey Milk, and the community he loved most.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about symbols in Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag. Which symbols do you identify with? Which ones make you happiest when you see them? Which ones are in your home?
Harvey showed incredible vision and action. How did he effectively communicate his dreams for the world? What is your dream for the future? How might you begin to make it happen? What are some character strengths that can help you bring your dreams to life?
Which page of illustration is your favorite? Why?
Do you know anyone who is LGBTQ+? Are they given equal rights and treatment in your community?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Steven Salerno
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : April 10, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 5 - 9
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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