Rob Sanders Visits Parker

Rob Sanders, funny and fierce author of LGBTQIA+ literary nonfiction picture books, met with students during Pride Week.

A pioneer in the LGBTQIA+ literary nonfiction picture book genre, Sanders created the first picture books about the Pride Flag, Stonewall Uprising, a transgender Civil War soldier, a gay presidential candidate and the first gay marriage in America. His work is instrumental in introducing readers to heroes of the LGBTQIA+ community—from Harvey Milk to Gilbert Baker, from Cleve Jones to Bayard Rustin and more. 

During his visits with Lower and Intermediate School students, Sanders introduced himself as a teacher who writes and a writer who teaches. At each gathering, Sanders shared selections of his work and fielded questions from students. Some were interested in his journey from being a 4th grade teacher to becoming a book author. Others inquired about where he got his ideas, how he picked illustrators to work with and other nuances of the writing profession.

While meeting with Junior and Senior Kindergarten students, Sanders read his book Bling Blaine: Throw Glitter, Not Shade, about the power of allies to lift up others, and Between You and Me, celebrating the small steps in a budding friendship. To this youngest audience, Sanders emphasized being an ally to others and reminded students of the importance of “Looking, Listening, Standing Up and Speaking Out.”

In his gatherings with 1st–5th grade students, Sanders read Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag. He compared and contrasted the process of writing nonfiction with that of fiction, indicating that the former takes much more time than the latter due to fact-checking. Following the reading, Sanders asked students why people still think the rainbow flag is important, indicating that the fight for acceptance and equality continues to this day.

Fourth grade students met with Sanders later in the day for a writers workshop that involved Sanders leading an exploration of writing poems about nonfiction subjects. Students explored the creative process of waterfall writing, participated in a group project making poetry about environmental change from found content, and combined creative forces in composing a diamante poem comparing Harriett Tubman and Rosa Parks.

Reflecting upon the day’s experience with Sanders, Lower School Literacy Specialist Heidi Byrnes-Cloet shared, “It was wonderful for the students to meet with Rob, especially during Pride Week. His commitment to educating others about the historical and contemporary actions taken to support the LGBTQIA+ community was truly inspirational. Our older students also enjoyed learning some powerful new poetry techniques as creative ways to share their thoughts, feelings and identities with others.”

Sanders certainly helped to make the last day of Parker’s celebration of Pride Week all the more memorable for the students involved.

Enjoy photos from Sander’s visit here.