Pride

Everyone expresses pride differently. In this volume Maleak and Jaeqwan learn about pride. They learn that pride is not given or something you just find on the streets. They learn what it means to have pride in self, culture, family, community, and globally. They especially explore pride in the lesbian, gay, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA) community. Maxim's planned a ceremonial week in recognition of Pride, but it did not go as planned. There were many last minute changes and cancellations. We pulled this volume together to include one segment of the weekend to depict it as we visualized it. The parade never happened, but the performances (planned or otherwise) were amazing. We also thought this was the last volume of the series, and wanted to go out with a bang. What better way to end the series than to commemorate Black Pride? Turns out we have decided to add When She Hits (about family violence). We view this volume as our appreciation volume. We specifically mentioned or characterized just a handful of people who strongly supported Shades N Love Incorporated, Maxim's, or the My Mom's a Stud series. This also is a way of highlighting other active members within the Black and Brown community who might not otherwise receive such attention. I suppose you may view this volume as a sort of award ceremony. It is very important for Black people to read their names and see faces that mirror their own in print. We make every effort to use the names not likely seen in other books. Although written from a child's perspective, these books are well received by adult males/females from all backgrounds and cultures.