Strong - Hardcover

Kearney, Rob; Rosswood, Eric

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0316292907 ISBN 13: 9780316292900

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2022

Synopsis

A Stonewall Honor Book!

A fresh, charming picture book that shows there are lots of ways to be STRONG.

Rob dreams of becoming a champion strongman. He wants to flip huge tires, lug boulders, and haul trucks -- and someday be the strongest man in the world! But he feels like he can’t fit in with his bright leggings, unicorn T-shirts, and rainbow-dyed hair. Will Rob find a way to step into his true self and be a champion?   

With bold illustrations and an engaging, informative text, Strong introduces readers to Rob Kearney and his journey from an athletic kid trying to find his place to the world’s first openly gay professional strongman.

About this title

About the Author

Rob Kearney is the only openly gay professional strongman in the world. He is a North American champion, world-record holder, and a Pro Ambassador for Athlete Ally. Rob finds strength in taking pride in himself, support from friends and family, and working hard every day to make his dreams come true. He lives in Massachusetts with his husband, Joey.
 
Eric Rosswood is an LGBTQ+ activist and the award-winning author of Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood and The Ultimate Guide for Gay Dads. He believes being strong means being true to yourself and strives to do that every day by being the best dad, writer, and friend he can be. Eric lives in New York with his husband, Mat, and their two children.

Nidhi Chanani is the award-winning creator of the graphic novels Pashmina and Jukebox and the illustrator of many picture books, including I Will Be Fierce by Bea Birdsong. Rob’s story inspired her to start weightlifting, but she feels strongest when she is drawing, dreaming, and spending time with her family. Nidhi lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and kid. She invites you to visit her online at everydayloveart.com.

Reviews

Gr 2–4—This is an autobiography of Rob Kearney and his career as a competitive weight lifter and body builder. It follows him from childhood, when he showed a prowess for super strength, doing a variety of sports from football to cheerleading before moving forward to adulthood where he begins to train for the Strongman competitions. Kearney's story is inspiring as it shows how perseverance and tenacity are important traits for working towards goals. It is also a story about gender expression and identity. His personal style is celebrated and encouraged by his very supportive partner, Joey, who not only trains with him but always motivates him to be true to himself, from rainbow hair to floral and pastel training clothes. The book is also filled with facts about a sport that isn't widely featured in children's literature. For example, a diagram of all the necessary gear needed to train for the Strongman competition provides a visual element without distracting from the story's narrative. The book is filled with relatable anecdotes and moments that readers can connect to; Kearney actually comes in last in one of the competitions. The illustrations are vivid and dynamic. VERDICT This is an important and unique topic told in an engaging narrative style, featuring a little-known sport, a great athlete, and an even greater story of ultimate sportsmanship.—Melanie Okadigwe

Edition details

• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0316292907
• ISBN 13: 9780316292900
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Chanani Nidhi
• Number of pages: 40