Uzarowski, Anthony. Friends of Dorothy: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Icons. Alejandro Morgollo Díez, Illus. Imagine, 10/2023. 173pp. Non-Fiction. Trade $24.99. 978-1-62354-351-8. GRADES 6 – 12. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
In this collective biography, forty artists and entertainers who have inspired the LBGTQ+ community are celebrated in short profiles averaging three pages each. Profiles begin with a fullpage color portrait (often showing the person smoking), done in a graphic style, and concludes with a quotation that exemplifies their outlook on queer culture. Icons featured include Mae West, Frida Kahlo, James Dean, Liza Minelli, Cher, Marsha P. Johnson, RuPaul, and Little Nas X. The entries discuss their careers and their relationship to the gay community. For example, Garland’s song “Over the Rainbow” is considered an inspiration for the rainbow flag. Readers will find this uplifting, and a way to seek out icons they may want to learn more about. The book ends with a list of a dozen other allies, each with a one-paragraph annotation. Review based on an Advance Reader Copy.
Penny Peck–San Jose State University iSchool