This Is How We Play

Awards and Praise for Calvin by JR and Vanessa Ford, illustrated by Kayla Harren

Lambda Literary Award Winner—LGBTQ Children’s/Middle Grade category
Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
ALA Rainbow Book List Top Ten Title for Young Readers
NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book Pick

“Gives transgender youth a superhero. Illustrations by Kayla Herren are full of bright, vivid pastels, showing a joyful Calvin and a diverse group of classmates. An intentional, inclusive book.”—The Boston Globe

* “This is one happy book that reflects an idealized world, a way we all wish it could be, and that’s all right. Illustrator Harren’s softly colored, realistic pictures capture that world and Calvin’s look perfectly—he’s cute as the proverbial button.”—Booklist, starred review

“Calvin's story—of finding his identity and seeking love and support from the people in his life—is timeless, but it's especially important in this moment when the rights of trans youth are under attack. The story of Calvin is charming and engaging, with beautiful illustrations, and is the perfect addition to any family's home or school's library.”—Rebecca Kling, transgender educator and activist

Awards and Praise for Calvin by JR and Vanessa Ford, illustrated by Kayla Harren

Lambda Literary Award Winner—LGBTQ Children’s/Middle Grade category
Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
ALA Rainbow Book List Top Ten Title for Young Readers
NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book Pick

“Gives transgender youth a superhero. Illustrations by Kayla Herren are full of bright, vivid pastels, showing a joyful Calvin and a diverse group of classmates. An intentional, inclusive book.”—The Boston Globe

* “This is one happy book that reflects an idealized world, a way we all wish it could be, and that’s all right. Illustrator Harren’s softly colored, realistic pictures capture that world and Calvin’s look perfectly—he’s cute as the proverbial button.”—Booklist, starred review

“Calvin's story—of finding his identity and seeking love and support from the people in his life—is timeless, but it's especially important in this moment when the rights of trans youth are under attack. The story of Calvin is charming and engaging, with beautiful illustrations, and is the perfect addition to any family's home or school's library.”—Rebecca Kling, transgender educator and activist