The boy is drawn to the music and folk dancing and forms of expression that are traditionally considered female in his Rajasthani culture, but he can only move to those rhythms in secret. He finds courage in the shadow of grief, putting on the clothes that call to him. “In the spinning, twisting turns / fear is tucked away. / Worry quiets. / And so … so … SHE stands. / A goddess. / Shining, strong, proud.” This stirring, poetic tribute to Indian drag performer Queen Harish chronicles her life and career, including the initial harsh response to her performances. Queen Harish dazzled, though, gradually drawing people in with her talent, grace, and warmth. “Not / Boy OR girl. / Man OR woman. / But / fluid / flowing / like a dance / in between / and all around.” Vibrant pen-and-ink and paint illustrations feature scenes and images pulsing with color set against jewel-hued backdrops. The art is rich with cultural elements from Jaisalmer, the northern Indian city where Queen Harish (Harish Kumar) was from. Essential biographical and contextual information about Queen Harish/Harish Kumar, who died in a car accident in 2019, is at volume’s end. (Age 10 and older)

STONEWALL BOOK AWARD HONOR



BEST OF THE YEAR

Booklist - BookPage - Kirkus - BCCB



In a kaleidoscope of desert sands and swirling skirts, Queen Harish takes flight. This picture book biography, spun in vibrant verse by Jyoti Gopal, traces the journey of a beloved Rajasthani drag performer who defied tradition and dazzled the world.



Fueled by an inner fire, young Harish yearns to join the captivating desert dancers, their music pulsing through his veins. But societal constraints paint a narrow path, one that clashes with his vibrant spirit. Through lyrical stanzas and Svabhu Kohli's evocative art, Harish's story unfolds, a tapestry woven with resilience and the transformative power of dance.



From village gatherings to Bollywood stages, Queen Harish twirls her way into hearts, leaving a trail of shattered stereotypes and empowering others to embrace their true selves. This is a celebration of courage, finding your inner queen, and dancing to your own rhythm.



6 STARRED REVIEWS



★ "With art as shiny and glittery as the goddess herself, this picture book is nothing short of brilliant. An essential purchase."

--School Library Journal (starred)



★ "Both a celebration of art and a manifesto for living on one's own terms... Kohli's vibrant, kaleidoscope-like illustrations duet in harmony with Rajan Gopal's lyrical, rhythmic language."

--Publishers Weekly (starred)



★ "This one-of-a-kind picture book paints a stirringly intimate and reverential portrait of the late drag performer known as Queen Harish, the Whirling Desert Queen of Rajasthan... As gorgeous and indefinable as Queen Harish herself, this book belongs on every shelf."

--Booklist (starred)



★ "A fearlessly triumphant depiction of the wonder, magic and sparkle of dance."

--BookPage (starred)



★ "Celebratory... striking."

--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred)



★ "Vibrant, kaleidoscopic illustrations inspired by the desert environs and the textiles, architecture, and artwork of the city of Jaisalmer capture the joyful dancer's whirling and swirling movements... Lyrical poetry mirrors the sounds and beats of the local folk music and complements the dreamlike visuals. Evocative and electrifying."

--Kirkus Reviews (starred)



"A love letter to gender fluidity, accompanied by stunning art full of vibrancy and warmth."

--Betsy Bird, Fuse8