Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

Bold colors and a rainbow motif decorate this picture book introduction to Harvey Milk, his cause, and the symbol he helped create (with designer Gilbert Baker) for gay equality. The book's first half focuses on Milk's biography; the second tells of gay rights achieved after his assassination and the evolution of the pride flag. Back matter includes notes and photos of pride demonstrators. Reading list, timeline, websites.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

In a poignant and uplifting biography of Milk, Sanders introduces the political activist through his crusade for human rights: -Harvey dreamed that everyone-even gay people-would have equality. He dreamed that he and his friends would be treated like everyone else.- To realize this dream, Sanders explains, Milk became -one of the first openly gay people to be elected to political office in the United States,- when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Wanting a potent symbol to represent the fight for gay rights, Milk asked artist Gilbert Baker to create a flag: -Volunteers arrived to help Gilbert-s design come to life. Together they dipped fabric into large barrels filled with vivid, bright dyes.- Salerno conveys Milk-s likeness in gently expressive cartoons; he fills his background spreads with decorative, paisley print designs, and the unfurled rainbow flag is a recurring motif. After the assassinations of Milk and San Francisco mayor George Moscone (communicated through a newspaper headline, reading: -Moscone, Milk Killed-), Milk-s message of acceptance and love is carried onward through the pride flag and those who wave it. Biographical notes include timelines and photographs of Milk and fellow activists. Ages 5-8. (Apr.)

ALA Booklist (Wed Nov 01 00:00:00 CST 2000)

In this story of an increasingly visible symbol, Sanders, an elementary-school teacher, tells how Harvey Milk inspired a flag in 1978 to represent his dream that "everyone en gay people uld have equality." Salerno's strong art has a colorful seventies vibe, and his drawings of Milk are distinctive without being caricatured, but the book does lack the context it needs to be the successful introduction to which it aspires. Missing is even a basic attribution of quotes or explanation of Milk's job, as well as what "unfair laws" he was working against, as well as any reasons why "most did not agree with him" or why protesters in one illustration declare "God says no." There is value here in contributing to the still nascent body of LGBTQ history for youth, and it could be put to use with some external historical and social context, though that would also have to make up for the fact it never clarifies the artistic vision of the design or what each of the flag's colors represent, thus giving short shrift to the symbol's symbolism.

Kirkus Reviews

A hope-filled ode to the rainbow flag, the LGBTQ rights movement's most prominent symbol.The flag's story begins with Harvey Milk, a young man with a "dream" for equality. In 1977, Milk becomes one of the first openly gay people to be elected to U.S. political office. As Milk marches toward his dream through protests and rallies, he works with artist Gilbert Baker to come up with a unifying symbol for the movement. In 1978, the rainbow flag makes its debut in San Francisco. Later that year, Milk is assassinated, but the flag continues to unify, sending his message of hope to LGBTQ individuals all over the world. Milk's flag becomes "a dream for us all." Though he mentions Baker, Sanders spotlights Milk instead as the flag's mastermind. The text mentions some iterations of the flag but stops short of including those revisions that match identities often excluded from the movement. Still, the visual references to important LGBTQ milestones will make supporters cheer. Salerno's retro style—detailed but fluid drawings of figures set against paisley-patterned backgrounds—gives fitting, '70s-era bohemian undertones. The crowds Milk addresses are largely as white as he is, but later illustrations nod to diversity within the LGBTQ population. Photographs of Milk, Baker, and other moments in the movement are appended.A biography LGBTQ rights activists and allies can proudly share with children. (biographical notes, timeline, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 4-9)

School Library Journal (Thu Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2018)

Gr 1-3 Written in direct, accessible language, this book opens with a quote from Harvey Milk about hope, the connecting theme of this uplifting introduction to the symbol of the Rainbow Flag. The text starts with Milk's choice to enter politics and Gilbert Baker's design of the first flag and connects that to the flag's modern appearances as a symbol of equality and pride and the use of it on June 26, 2015 across the White House. The illustrations are vibrant and lively, taking inspiration from 1970s fashions and styles while emphasizing the effectiveness of symbols. The narrative includes references to opposition to Milk's dream of equality and the assassination of Milk and George Moscone, but moves decisively on to tell of enduring hope, with an illustration of the candlelight vigil and the persistence of the rainbow flag as an icon. Biographical notes include more information on the flag, Milk, Baker, and the significance of the June 16, 2014 rainbow lights across the White House. The back matter also includes two time lines, a few suggested books and websites, and assorted photographs related to the story. VERDICT With its emphasis on pride and hope, this title will make a strong addition to classroom and school library collections to support discussions of character and equality. Recommended for all collections. Amanda Foulk, Sacramento Public Library