Today, I am shining a spotlight on Marley’s Pride by Joëlle Retener and DeAnn Wiley, which was published by Barefoot Books on 2nd April 2024.

Blurb

Marley is a little nonbinary kid with big anxieties. Crowds? Pass. Loud noises? No, thanks. When their Zaza is up for an award at Pride, they want to go to the parade for the first time with their beloved grandparent. But can Marley overcome their fears?

Featuring the joyful experiences of a queer Black family finding community through identity at Pride, this story also explores how to cope with social anxiety.

Created by a queer Black author and illustrator team, central to the story is Zaza, a transgender elder who receives an award for their work helping the trans community.

Additional endnotes include the history of Pride and its origins, a glossary of LGBTQ+ terms and a list of resources.

Praise for Marley’s Pride

“This sensitive work will be a valuable teaching tool to support children with questions concerning themselves or their friends” – School Library Journal

“From its bright and colourful cover, Marley’s Pride is a whirlwind of cheer and a celebration of being trans, Black and neurodivergent” – Inis magazine

About the Author

Spelman College graduate Joëlle Retener (they/them) is a Kreyol American children’s author with a passion for sharing stories that celebrate Black pride and Queer joy.

Joelle lives in Baltimore, USA.

About the illustrator

DeAnn Wiley (she/her) is a self-taught illustrator with a Master’s degree in counselling psychology. She illustrated Sarah Rising, the Sunday Adventures series, and her author-illustrator debut, Homegrown.

She advocates for social justice from the intersection of multiple identities – Black, Woman, Queer, and disabled. DeAnn lives in Detroit, USA.

About the Publisher

Barefoot Books is an award-winning, independent, women-owned and run, children’s book publisher based in Concord, MA. Founded by two mothers in England in 1992, we are committed to creating visually captivating books that celebrate global awareness and diversity, spark curiosity and capture imaginations.

Today, our unwavering commitment to opening children’s hearts, minds and worlds feels more important than ever. Barefoot Books has been shortlisted for the Alison Morrison Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award in 2024’s IPG Awards.