Coloring into Existence: Queer of Color Worldmaking in Children’s Literature

Queer and trans of color picture books can disrupt colonial, heteropatriarchal notions of childhood and serve as the basis for fantasizing about disruptions to structures of power. Isabel Millán's book documents the emergence of a North American queer of color children's literary archive, considering the sociopolitical circumstances, aesthetic, and acts of imagination and worldmaking.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: New York University Press

Coloring into Existence delves into the intricate interplay between authors, illustrators, and independent publishers in crafting alternative narratives that challenge colonial, heteropatriarchal notions of childhood. These texts and characters disrupt the conventional concept of childhood, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of the child's experience. Often driven by a strong political motivation, queer and trans of color picture books offer a fertile ground for imagining disruptions to power structures, both within and beyond the realm of literature.

Isabel Millán's groundbreaking work, Coloring into Existence, combines literary criticism, close readings, historical analysis, and interviews to document the emergence of a vibrant North American queer of color children's literary archive. Through this comprehensive exploration, Millán examines the sociopolitical contexts that gave rise to queer of color children's literature, explores the translation of a queer and trans of color aesthetic into picture books, and explores how the imaginative and world-building powers of these books create a realm of freedom, healing, and transformation for queer and trans of color children and adults alike.

One of the key insights of Coloring into Existence is the way that queer and trans of color publications "color outside the lines." These publications refuse to conform to industry standards, intermingle fiction with nonfiction, and employ alternative modes of production and distribution to create new worlds. By defying conventional norms, these books challenge dominant narratives and offer alternative perspectives that empower and validate the experiences of queer and trans of color individuals.

Moreover, Coloring into Existence highlights the importance of representation in children's literature. By featuring diverse characters and narratives, these books promote inclusivity, diversity, and empathy among young readers. They help break down barriers and promote understanding of different identities and experiences, which is crucial in fostering a more inclusive and just society.

In conclusion, Coloring into Existence is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the role of authors, illustrators, and independent publishers in producing alternative narratives that disrupt colonial, heteropatriarchal notions of childhood. Through its comprehensive analysis, Millán provides valuable insights into the sociopolitical contexts, aesthetic considerations, and transformative powers of queer and trans of color picture books. By challenging dominant narratives and promoting representation, these books play a vital role in fostering a more inclusive and just society for all children.

Weight: 531g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479816989