Rob Sanders

Rob Sanders, from Brandon, Florida, is a teacher who writes and a writer who teaches. He is known for his funny and fierce fiction and nonfiction picture books and is recognized as one of the pioneers in the arena of LGBTQIA+ literary nonfiction picture books. Rob’s nonfiction books continue to break new ground, including the first picture books about the Pride Flag, the Stonewall Uprising, a transgender Civil War soldier, a gay presidential candidate, and the first gay marriage in America. His work also continues to introduce readers to heroes of the LGBTQIA+ community—from Harvey Milk to Gilbert Baker, from Cleve Jones to Bayard Rustin, and more. His fiction explores friendship, relationships, standing up for others, and being allies. Blood Brothers, his first middle grade novel, written in powerful, raw verse released in July 2022 and was named an NCTE 2023 Notable Novel in Verse. 2024 releases include Rob’s first nonfiction poetry collection—Queer and Fearless: Poems Celebrating the Lives of LGBTQ Heroes and two fiction picture books—Between You and Me and We Are a Class . Rob believes in paying it forward. Coming in 2025 is the warm-hearted story Book Comes Home: A Banned Book's Journey. Rob serves on the SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund Steering Committee and is a frequent speaker, teacher, mentor, coach, and critiquer. Rob is represented by Rubin Pfeffer and Amy Flynn of Aevitas Creative Management.