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: 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 Jette 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