JR and Vanessa Ford are nationally-known advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, specifically, rights for transgender youth. Their advocacy and work has been featured in the
New York Times,
Newsweek,
The Boston Globe,
The Washington Post, and in "Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric." They were both founding members of the Human Rights Campaign's Parents for Transgender Equality Council. They live with their two children, one of whom is trans, in the Boston, MA area.
Kayla Harren graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She illustrated the award-winning picture books
A Boy Like You and
The Boy Who Grew A Forest. Kayla draws pictures at her home in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband and dogs.
Praise for Calvin:The 2022 Lambda Literary Award Winner in the LGBTQ Children’s/Middle Grade category
A 2022 Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
A 2022 ALA Rainbow Book List Top Ten Title for Young Readers
A 2022 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book Pick“
Gives transgender youth a superhero. Illustrations by Kayla Herren are full of bright, vivid pastels, showing a joyful Calvin and a diverse group of classmates. An
intentional, inclusive book.” —
The Boston Globe★ “
This is one happy book that reflects an idealized world, a way we all wish it could be, and that’s all right. Illustrator Harren’s
softly colored, realistic pictures capture that world and Calvin’s look perfectly—he’s cute as the proverbial button. Finally, the coauthors write with
gentle insight, for, as they share in an endnote, they have a trans child themselves.” —
Booklist,
starred review“This transition story depicts a community cultivating an
affirming environment in which a child can flourish. . . Harren’s
warm, expressive illustrations communicate much of the emotion in the story and are populated with diverse background characters who have various body sizes, skin colors, hair textures, and disabilities. A
valuable model of
intentional, compassionate response to gender expansive kids and their needs.” —
Kirkus Reviews“The
bright and engaging illustrations capture Calvin’s emotional journey very effectively and feature a diverse community. The author’s note is
affirming and acknowledges the experiences of the authors who are parents of two children, one of whom identifies as transgender. . . Calvin is
a hero for young people who need support in voicing their essential selves, and also for those children who need to see how easy it is to be an ally to others. This addition to the growing list of titles that feature transgender characters is most welcome!” —
School Library Journal“Harren’s … soft, retro palette and colored pencil-esque linework are
reminiscent of Leo and Diane Dillon . . . [and] gives the book a
cheerful energy; Calvin is
impossibly adorable, with a button nose, dimpled cheeks, and wildly curly hair, and his
multi-racial family would fit perfectly in the work of a modern Norman Rockwell. The
intentionally diverse cast includes various body types, physical disabilities, and even freckles and vitiligo, making this an
excellent addition alongside Kyle Lukoff’s
When Aiden Became a Brother to bring more inclusivity to Trans Day of Visibility and Pride displays.” —
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books“
Calvin is a perfect book to help readers understand and comprehend the perspective of a transgender child. It’s heartwarming, honest, filled with beautiful illustrations and provides a comforting tool for any child who may be nervous about presenting their true selves to the world that surrounds them.” —
Jeanette Jennings, “I am Jazz” TV series and President of the Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation
“
Calvin is an absolute delight. I couldn’t even get through the first few pages without crying happy tears. What a heartfelt, beautiful book—one that I hope every kid, parent, and educator reads. Chances are there’s a Calvin somewhere in your life, and I hope you take the time to hear their story.” —
Robbie Couch, author of
The Sky Blues “Calvin is the heartwarming and affirming story all trans children deserve. Everyone can learn what acceptance looks like from this book.” —
Amanda Jetté Knox, author of
Love Lives Here and LGBTQ advocate
“With pitch-perfect text and beautiful artwork,
Calvin hits all the right notes. This informative, inclusive and affirmative story will have you rooting for Calvin all the way through. Bravo
Calvin!” —
Jason Chin, author, illustrator, Caldecott winner
“Calvin's story—of finding his identity and seeking love and support from the people in his life—is timeless, but it's especially important in this moment when the rights of trans youth are under attack. The story of Calvin is charming and engaging, with beautiful illustrations, and is the perfect addition to any family's home or school's library.” —
Rebecca Kling, transgender educator and activist
