Rainbow Allies: The True Story of Kids Who Stood against Hate

Reviewed by Cassie J. Hardee

May 1, 2025

By Nancy Churnin, illustrated by Izzy Evans. Beaming Books, 2024. 40 pages. $18.99/hardcover; $22.99/eBook. Recommended for ages 5–8.

As a Queer person who knows the anxiety and fear that comes with being openly gay in the Southern United States, I found this book to depict the world that I hope for and the one I believe is possible.

Based on a true story, Rainbow Allies takes place in Natick, a quaint suburban neighborhood outside Boston, Mass., where life is calm and quiet. Playful and dreamlike illustrations by Izzy Evans—of children riding bikes in the street, neighbors walking dogs, and lemonade stands in front yards—reflect “the secret that makes [Natick] shine: everyone is welcome; everyone is celebrated; everyone helps each other.”

But that perception is tested when the home of a lesbian couple is vandalized and their rainbow pride flag that once hung on their porch is destroyed. The neighborhood children struggle to understand why someone would hate people who have shown nothing but love. They brainstorm what to do but have trouble finding a good answer. “They didn’t want to separate their friends with a wall, or treat others like enemies. They needed to find a way to bring everyone together, to show love that was big enough to heal the hurt.”

Then an idea comes to them and it involves many rainbow flags. I won’t spoil the whole ending, but the children are the clear heroes of the story, as they band together and unite in fearless love as the greatest source of strength. Recognizing that of God in everyone, the core belief of Quakerism, is demonstrated in their act of standing against hate by choosing inclusive and unconditional love.

Rainbow Allies takes an unpleasant story of hate and shows how everyone, regardless of age, can be an ally. In a time when fear is found nearly everywhere, we need acts of simple bravery to drown out the hateful ones.

Cassie J. Hardee (she/they) is a member and associate clerk of Fort Worth (Tex.) Meeting and an American Friends Service Committee representative for their yearly meeting. They work in education and engagement at a performing arts nonprofit. Cassie volunteers with faith-based LGBTQ+ outreaches and interfaith nonprofits in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.