A Song for Nolan

PreS-Gr 1–Nolan is excited to attend their friend’s birthday party at the roller rink, but their enthusiasm fades when the DJ announces a “Boys Skate” followed by a “Girls Skate.” With neither category matching their identity, gender-nonconforming Nolan just wants to go home. Instead, a wordless multi-panel spread shows Nolan whispering into the ear of the DJ before the DJ announces that for the next song, “everyone is welcome to skate!” The jump from Nolan’s moment of exclusion to the moment when they approach the DJ is abrupt; readers won’t know why or how Nolan determined to speak up for inclusion. The illustrations don’t entirely fill in the gaps for a more complete view of Nolan’s internal experience. Nolan has brown skin and pink hair, and other characters show a variety of racial backgrounds and body types. Chen’s vibrant, jewel-toned illustrations capture the chaotic sensory environment of the roller rink. As in a real rink, the crowds of skaters and colorful reflections from the disco ball make it difficult for the eye to settle and some of the smaller blocks of text get lost among the illustrations.