A SONG FOR NOLAN

A nonbinary kid carves out space for themself (and everyone!) at the roller rink.

Decked out in a pink feather boa to match their hair, Nolan feels a little nervous as they arrive at their friend Chloe’s roller-skating birthday party. That’s when the gender-based microaggressions begin. First, a party guest whispers to Chloe, “I thought you weren’t inviting boys?” Then Nolan gets stuck out on the rink when the DJ calls out, “This next song is for the guys! Boys skate only!” No one notices when Nolan takes a spill. The child’s distress heightens when “Girls skate!” is announced. “DO I EVEN BELONG HERE?!” Nolan wonders. In a series of wordless panels, Nolan’s dejection turns to determination as they approach the DJ and whisper a request. The story ends with the DJ dedicating the next song to Nolan and adding, “Everyone is welcome to skate!” Chen’s thick-lined, appealingly solid images are alive with rich color and detail that will draw in readers. Though the book comes to a happy ending, with Nolan learning to advocate for themself, the conclusion feels abrupt; it isn’t clear why or how Nolan summons the courage to assert themself. As a result, the narrative has less sparkle than its vibrant illustrations. Nolan is brown-skinned, while Chloe is light-skinned; their peers have a range of hair and skin tones.

An unevenly paced tale of self-worth and identity, buoyed by dynamic visuals.