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coming soon: may 13 2025
Athlete is agender. Athlete can mean anyone.
In a world where gender norms inform the rules of inclusion and safety for LGBTQ+ kids and adult professionals in sports, here is a groundbreaking collection that celebrates the affirming sense of community that comes from being a proud queer athlete.
Find your strength in: Adam Rippon’s unbelievable journey from figure-skating Olympic alternate to the first openly gay Olympic medalist in his sport; CeCé Telfer’s career as a trans track star and her unwavering commitment to run for the future freedom of trans athletes; em dickson’s relationship to eir gender identity and how sailing, a sport that doesn’t categorize athletes by gender, helped em embrace eir power and identity; and many other invaluable true stories.
Featuring testimonies by world-class athletes and award-winning children’s book authors, as well as profiles on culture-defining figures like Megan Rapinoe and Billie Jean King, this incredible collection revels in the achievements of strong, passionate, and determined queer athletes across every age, level, and field of sports. Athlete Is Agender is a lifesaving book not to be missed.
This book is for:
· LGBTQIA+ kids, teens, tweens, and adults
· Athletes and sports fans
· Readers looking to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community
· Parents of gay kids and other LGBTQIA+ youth
· Educators looking for advice about the LGBTQIA+ community
praise
★ A Junior Library Guild Selection
“[Locke and Melleby] profile impactful figures in this affirming sports assemblage. Quotes from contemporary and historical athletes that highlight the importance of finding a welcoming space within sports.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“These stories from people with diverse backgrounds and identities reinforce the importance of having safe spaces to pursue one’s passion for sports. Readers will learn about the barriers and sense of belonging queer people face in pursuing athletics and the importance of representation. Authentically illustrates the challenges and hope LGBTQ+ athletes find in the world of sports.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Part memoir, part manifesto. . . The overall tone is inclusive and reassuring, and a common theme is how being on teams created a sense of belonging for people who felt uncomfortable in their assigned societal roles (especially as kids). This inspirational compilation will surely resonate with many.”—Booklist