The Mother of a Movement

October 10, 2022
In the tradition of picture books centered on a parent-child bond, rhythmic repetition reinforces messages of love and acceptance in this biography of PFLAG cofounder Jeanne Manford (1920–2013). Structured as a question-and-answer narrative, Sanders begins with a wide-lensed query: “What does a mom do?/ Some listen and love./ Learn and lead.” A page-turn later, the phrasing tightens to reveal Manford’s specific actions: “What did this mom do?/ She raised three children./ Caring. Nurturing. Teaching.” Variations on the question subsequently repeat, referencing the figure’s roles as “teacher-mom,” “mom of grown children,” and “mom of a gay son,” as, following an attack that hospitalizes her child, Manford moves into LGBTQ allyship and establishes PFLAG, modeling how a loving parent’s advocacy can impact families everywhere. Kalda’s crisp, ’60s-influenced digital illustrations provide an equally strong through line, representing connectivity between individuals of varying abilities and skin tones. Expansive support materials conclude. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from September 1, 2022
A good parent shows up--and stands up. Jeanne Manford was an excellent mother. When her son Morty told her that he was gay, she accepted him. When Morty was later attacked while protesting discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, Jeanne took action: She started by writing a letter that was published in the New York Post that declared that she loved her gay son, a groundbreaking move in the 1970s. Jeanne was also a founding member of PFLAG, which began in 1972 as POG, or Parents of Gays, before becoming Parents FLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). In 2014 the group changed its name to just PFLAG to be more inclusive. In rousing prose, Sanders describes how Jeanne helped motivate other loving parents to create a support network of allies who have diligently worked to help defend equal rights for queer individuals. This is a valuable tool for research projects, with backmatter that includes information on Jeanne's son Morty Manford, PFLAG's history, a robust list of sources, and an up-to-date selection of other titles about queer history. Jeanne presents as White; racially diverse individuals are represented in the illustrations. The artwork has a timeless feel, though with a hat tip to the earthy tones of the 1970s. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Stylish, chic, and strong. Brava! (discussion guide, glossary, image of a protest poster created by Jeanne) (Informational picture book. 6-10)

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October 15, 2022
Grades 1-3 When Jeanne Manford's 19-year-old son Morty came out to her as gay and was subsequently severely beaten in a protest, she did something unprecedented for the time (1972): she wrote a letter to the New York Post about her gay son. Then she marched with him in the Christopher Street Parade and went on to co-found PFLAG, ""an organization for parents, families, and allies of LGBTQ+ people."" In telling her story, Sanders employs repetition to good effect. On the left-hand page, he asks a series of questions about what moms do and then on the facing page writes, ""That's what Jeanne did."" For example, "What does the mom of grown children do? . . . Some watch their children discover themselves. / That's what Jeanne did."" Sander's writing is clear and concise, and Kalda's illustrations enhance a text that is sure to invite questions. To that end, the author includes extensive back matter (discussion guide, glossary, sources, etc.), and the result is a thorough yet accessible biography that introduces little ones to an important topic and inspiring individual.

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