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Are You a Friend of Dorothy?: The True Story of an Imaginary Woman and the Real People She Helped
From Newbery Honor and Stonewall Book Award–winning author Kyle Lukoff and celebrated picture book illustrator Levi Hastings comes a picture book about how people found community in a time when they had to keep their true selves secret.
“Are you a friend of Dorothy?”
In a time when the LGBTQ+ community was forced to hide in the shadows, a woman named Dorothy helped her people find each other in the dark and celebrate themselves in the light.
But who was Dorothy? Was she from the neighborhood, someone’s wife, mother, or sister? Was she that clever writer, who threw parties where there were no rules about who you could and couldn’t dance with? Or was she a girl from Kansas, who dreamed of leaving her black-and-white, small-town life and finding a vibrant, colorful world that loved her?
Dorothy might have been all these things—because Dorothy, as known by the post-WWII queer community, wasn’t real. Still, she helped a community find connection and care amidst adversity.
“Are you a friend of Dorothy?”
In a time when the LGBTQ+ community was forced to hide in the shadows, a woman named Dorothy helped her people find each other in the dark and celebrate themselves in the light.
But who was Dorothy? Was she from the neighborhood, someone’s wife, mother, or sister? Was she that clever writer, who threw parties where there were no rules about who you could and couldn’t dance with? Or was she a girl from Kansas, who dreamed of leaving her black-and-white, small-town life and finding a vibrant, colorful world that loved her?
Dorothy might have been all these things—because Dorothy, as known by the post-WWII queer community, wasn’t real. Still, she helped a community find connection and care amidst adversity.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 29, 2025
About the author
Kyle Lukoff
29 books300 followersKyle Lukoff writes books for kids and other people.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Kyle worked at five bookstores, in four libraries, for three schools, as two genders, through one intersection: people, and books.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Kyle worked at five bookstores, in four libraries, for three schools, as two genders, through one intersection: people, and books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 7, 2025
truly a must-read. read this to your kids, read this for you, read this for everyone who never had the chance to exist in a world where they could be themselves. happy pride 🏳️🌈
May 19, 2025
I don't know if I'm just on my period but this made me soooo emotional, lol. Such a great way to communicate the history of queer flagging to young kids. Also beautiful artwork too!
May 29, 2025
Sophisticated but accessible.
August 23, 2025
A children's book about queer history? Loved it! Such a fascinating power a code phrase has. Like spies, but with your identity. Definitely a cool bit of history I didn't know about
June 24, 2025
So, you're not straight, but you live in a time and place where you can be severely punished for this. But you don't want to be alone. What do you do? Invent a code word to find your people, of course! This picture book explores the strange case of Dorothy and the military's efforts to find her and figure out how she was friends with so many queer people.
This is not "baby's first queer book," as it assumes a bit of familiarity with terminology like "lesbian" or "queer." But if you're that audience and you're curious about how people have found their community even when it was illegal or unauthorized to do so, this book is brilliantly told and thoughtfully constructed. It's among the more fun queer history books I've read, and I'd definitely recommend it to both young and older readers.
This is not "baby's first queer book," as it assumes a bit of familiarity with terminology like "lesbian" or "queer." But if you're that audience and you're curious about how people have found their community even when it was illegal or unauthorized to do so, this book is brilliantly told and thoughtfully constructed. It's among the more fun queer history books I've read, and I'd definitely recommend it to both young and older readers.
July 17, 2025
I have been spending much more time in the children’s section of the library with my grandson. One of the things I like to do is read some of the new literature available. I always seem to learn something new. This title caught my eye. Although I knew what the term meant, I did not know where it came from other than the movie Clueless where Christian is described as a yellow brick road skipping friend of Dorothy. I am not familiar with this author or illustrator, but the illustrations really caught my eye. It was very well written. With so many book bannings I’m glad to see more books like this in my local library.
July 11, 2026
Are You A Friend of Dorothy? is a delightful queer history book for children! It explores the origins of the phrase and how it was used in the mid twentieth century for queer people to avoid persecution. It has warmth, heart, and humour, and it does a great job of sharing queer history for today's kids. Highly recommended!
May 8, 2025
this is gorgeous read it to your children immediately
January 14, 2026
A vibrant and interesting book about connection and inclusion, secrets and safety, history and discovery.
July 12, 2026
What a wonderful way to explore history as well as acceptance and community with readers of any age.
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September 16, 2025In an era where identity is celebrated, most of us forget that there was a time when a simple question could be an act of courage and self-acceptance, not to mention a beacon of hope to a community forced to refrain from self-expression. This new children's picture book, Are You A Friend of Dorothy? by Kyle Lukoff, is a beautiful and timely reminder of that history, carefully illustrating the origins of a phrase used throughout the 20th century that helped an entire generation of LGBTQ+ people find friends, allies, and a safe community, as well as a feeling of being at home amongst them.
Disclaimer: Thank you Edelweiss & Simon and Schuster for granting me access to the DRC of this amazing book. My review is voluntary, entirely honest and reflects my genuine thoughts and feelings.
As they flip through the pages, the reader witnesses so many people of varying backgrounds interact with one another in relaxed as well as stressful situations. It is amazing how an imaginary woman's name transformed into a powerful code that facilitated communication while avoiding hostility. For someone living in the 21st century, one might not be able to gauge the impact of this code word but until recently, an entire community of people has had to resort to furtive communication and using catch phrases to avoid persecution and discrimination. The code word became a beacon of hope in times of desperate need and must have invoked feelings of safety in a time when the most basic of their rights hadn't even begun to evolve.
The target age range for the book is mentioned by the publisher to be 4-8 years, but it is a call that only the parent can make. I have not had this conversation with my about to turn five years old twins, I will confess. But I certainly want to at some point of time in future. I also feel that this is a conversation that the parent has to have with themselves before they sit down with their kids to discuss it. I also need to equip myself with the correct vocabulary so that when I talk, I come across as clear and comfortable, not confused or awkward about it. The end matter of the book served the purpose very well. I can sincerely say that this is a book for all ages, a fantastic place to start for all educators and parents who want to have this conversation with future citizens of the world some day.
Disclaimer: Thank you Edelweiss & Simon and Schuster for granting me access to the DRC of this amazing book. My review is voluntary, entirely honest and reflects my genuine thoughts and feelings.
As they flip through the pages, the reader witnesses so many people of varying backgrounds interact with one another in relaxed as well as stressful situations. It is amazing how an imaginary woman's name transformed into a powerful code that facilitated communication while avoiding hostility. For someone living in the 21st century, one might not be able to gauge the impact of this code word but until recently, an entire community of people has had to resort to furtive communication and using catch phrases to avoid persecution and discrimination. The code word became a beacon of hope in times of desperate need and must have invoked feelings of safety in a time when the most basic of their rights hadn't even begun to evolve.
The target age range for the book is mentioned by the publisher to be 4-8 years, but it is a call that only the parent can make. I have not had this conversation with my about to turn five years old twins, I will confess. But I certainly want to at some point of time in future. I also feel that this is a conversation that the parent has to have with themselves before they sit down with their kids to discuss it. I also need to equip myself with the correct vocabulary so that when I talk, I come across as clear and comfortable, not confused or awkward about it. The end matter of the book served the purpose very well. I can sincerely say that this is a book for all ages, a fantastic place to start for all educators and parents who want to have this conversation with future citizens of the world some day.
September 15, 2025
I had never heard about Dorothy before and now I am fascinated. What an interesting history lesson, and what a clever way to talk to others about who you are- especially at a time when it was dangerous to do so.
I'm glad I read this book because it gave me a clearer historical understanding of challenges withing the LGBTQ community. The only problem I had is the implication that this feeling of a lack of safety is something firmly locked in the past. I don't feel like that's the case right now. Maybe someday.
I'm glad I read this book because it gave me a clearer historical understanding of challenges withing the LGBTQ community. The only problem I had is the implication that this feeling of a lack of safety is something firmly locked in the past. I don't feel like that's the case right now. Maybe someday.
November 19, 2025
11/13/2025 Smart and fun, with terrific illustrations! Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
11/19/2025 Hand to God, I did not know that the Dorothy of this saying wasn't a real person! I always assumed it was an allusion to Dorothy Gale, the heroine of The Wizard Of Oz so iconically portrayed by Judy Garland in the seminal 1939 movie. Ms Garland herself was a gay icon and ally, while the role of Dorothy -- someone who was able to escape her repressive black and white life for a Technicolor world with people who understood her -- has spoken to queer people ever since her screen debut.
But the "Dorothy" of Are You A Friend of same is much more complex than that, as this vividly illustrated picture book shows us. Despite allusions to both the fictional Dorothy Gale and the very real Dorothy Parker, the Dorothy of this saying was really just a codeword that helped gay people find community in places that were often hostile, if not worse, to their very existence. Kyle Lukoff relates the 20th century (and beyond) history of queer existence and acceptance in language that's clear and accessible for advancing readers, and makes the hunt for Dorothy feel as gripping as a spy thriller -- which it occasionally was!
But it's really Levi Hastings' outstanding art that brings this story to life, packing so much detail and emotion into the proceedings. Whether it's the glory of queer joy; the unnecessary pain of shame and repression, from internal or external forces, or the surprisingly moving depiction of everyday people just being allowed to live their lives no matter what they look like or who they love, this is a powerful picture book that reminds readers of our shared humanity. LGBTQIA+ people are neither a monolith or an other, and excluding them from public life is a surefire way to make a population less strong and healthy and free, as it wastes resources on policing itself instead of actually doing good by making sure that everyone has the food and shelter and healthcare needed to build a strong civic society.
Ahem.
Anyway, this is a really good book that portrays the diversity of the queer experience through the lens of a single catchphrase's history, and how that speaks to the universal need for community. Buy it for yourself, for a young reader, or for anyone who believes that we can truly make a better world for everyone together.
Are You A Friend Of Dorothy? by Kyle Lukoff & Levi Hastings was published April 29 2025 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
11/19/2025 Hand to God, I did not know that the Dorothy of this saying wasn't a real person! I always assumed it was an allusion to Dorothy Gale, the heroine of The Wizard Of Oz so iconically portrayed by Judy Garland in the seminal 1939 movie. Ms Garland herself was a gay icon and ally, while the role of Dorothy -- someone who was able to escape her repressive black and white life for a Technicolor world with people who understood her -- has spoken to queer people ever since her screen debut.
But the "Dorothy" of Are You A Friend of same is much more complex than that, as this vividly illustrated picture book shows us. Despite allusions to both the fictional Dorothy Gale and the very real Dorothy Parker, the Dorothy of this saying was really just a codeword that helped gay people find community in places that were often hostile, if not worse, to their very existence. Kyle Lukoff relates the 20th century (and beyond) history of queer existence and acceptance in language that's clear and accessible for advancing readers, and makes the hunt for Dorothy feel as gripping as a spy thriller -- which it occasionally was!
But it's really Levi Hastings' outstanding art that brings this story to life, packing so much detail and emotion into the proceedings. Whether it's the glory of queer joy; the unnecessary pain of shame and repression, from internal or external forces, or the surprisingly moving depiction of everyday people just being allowed to live their lives no matter what they look like or who they love, this is a powerful picture book that reminds readers of our shared humanity. LGBTQIA+ people are neither a monolith or an other, and excluding them from public life is a surefire way to make a population less strong and healthy and free, as it wastes resources on policing itself instead of actually doing good by making sure that everyone has the food and shelter and healthcare needed to build a strong civic society.
Ahem.
Anyway, this is a really good book that portrays the diversity of the queer experience through the lens of a single catchphrase's history, and how that speaks to the universal need for community. Buy it for yourself, for a young reader, or for anyone who believes that we can truly make a better world for everyone together.
Are You A Friend Of Dorothy? by Kyle Lukoff & Levi Hastings was published April 29 2025 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
May 2, 2025
This book is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that introduces children to an important piece of LGBTQ+ history. Rather than spotlighting a single person, it centers around a phrase—used as a secret code within the queer community during a time when living openly was not safe.
Kyle Lukoff’s text is poetic and thought-provoking, gently guiding young readers through a layered and meaningful part of U.S. history. The narrative offers imaginative interpretations of who Dorothy might be—from a neighbor, to a writer, to a certain girl from Kansas—and cleverly reveals that Dorothy isn't one person, but a symbol of connection, safety, and identity.
Levi Hastings’ illustrations are an absolute highlight. Every page bursts with color, character, and energy, helping to bring this important message to life in a way that’s approachable and captivating for ages 4–8. The visual representation of historical figures adds depth without overwhelming the core story, and the backmatter includes an excellent author’s note and historical references.
What I especially loved is that this book promotes acceptance, celebrates diversity, and opens the door for conversations with kids about identity and inclusion. It’s perfect for Pride Month, classrooms, and bedtime alike.
Yes, this is exactly the kind of book that might be challenged or banned in some circles, which only underscores how necessary it is. "Are You a Friend of Dorothy?" belongs in every library.
Thank you to the author, illustrator, and publisher for this book and my honest review.
To find more reviews, check out my blog: https://www.kimsbookreviewsandwriting...
Kyle Lukoff’s text is poetic and thought-provoking, gently guiding young readers through a layered and meaningful part of U.S. history. The narrative offers imaginative interpretations of who Dorothy might be—from a neighbor, to a writer, to a certain girl from Kansas—and cleverly reveals that Dorothy isn't one person, but a symbol of connection, safety, and identity.
Levi Hastings’ illustrations are an absolute highlight. Every page bursts with color, character, and energy, helping to bring this important message to life in a way that’s approachable and captivating for ages 4–8. The visual representation of historical figures adds depth without overwhelming the core story, and the backmatter includes an excellent author’s note and historical references.
What I especially loved is that this book promotes acceptance, celebrates diversity, and opens the door for conversations with kids about identity and inclusion. It’s perfect for Pride Month, classrooms, and bedtime alike.
Yes, this is exactly the kind of book that might be challenged or banned in some circles, which only underscores how necessary it is. "Are You a Friend of Dorothy?" belongs in every library.
Thank you to the author, illustrator, and publisher for this book and my honest review.
To find more reviews, check out my blog: https://www.kimsbookreviewsandwriting...
May 14, 2025
Kyle Lukoff and Levi Hastings’ new informational picture book, Are You a Friend of Dorothy?, depicts the history of the LGBTQ community and the lengths they had to go to to find each other. Before queer people felt safe to be out and proud, they would use a question, “Are you a friend of Dorothy?,” to find out if someone else was queer, as well. Dorothy wasn’t a real person, but referenced possibly both writer Dorothy Parker, as well as fictional Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. Government officials, however, believed that Dorothy was an individual and sought her out, to no avail. The history of persecution of queer people is depicted in the book, but many more illustrations are devoted to showing joy, community, fun, friendship, and belonging. The end of the book concludes that “a lot has changed in the United States of America since then” with an illustration of a pride parade of diverse individuals. But while it isn’t illegal anymore to be queer, Lukoff concedes that “sometimes it’s still harder to be LGBTQ” because of restrictive legislation and unsafe communities. The final page states proudly that “there never was a Dorothy, but there will always be her friends.” Colorful, retro digital art shows individuals of diverse backgrounds throughout the book. Highly recommended!
Includes a two page author’s note on terminology when talking about queer people. Also lists the two adult books that were used to write the picture book. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Includes a two page author’s note on terminology when talking about queer people. Also lists the two adult books that were used to write the picture book. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
July 18, 2025
This nonfiction picture book explains to children that LGBTQIA people used to not be able to share openly about their sexuality. Instead, they used a code and asked one another if they were a friend of Dorothy. The book explores why it was unsafe to share sexuality openly with people losing their jobs, being arrested or placed in mental institutions. Then there are the people who hear the code who are working for the government. But they could never figure out who this mysterious Dorothy was. There are some ideas about why the name Dorothy was chosen. The ending returns to the present day and all the progress that has been made for LGBTQIA rights with the caveat about the continued dangers and threats to those who come out.
Lukoff tells the history of LGBTQ rights in America using a child-focused approach by focusing on the code phrase. It’s a clever way to share the information of past injustice, modern progress and all the way yet to go. Illustrations by Hastings are colorful at times and other times capture the bleakness of government surveillance.
All young friends of Dorothy will find a welcoming place in these pages. Appropriate for ages 5-9.
Lukoff tells the history of LGBTQ rights in America using a child-focused approach by focusing on the code phrase. It’s a clever way to share the information of past injustice, modern progress and all the way yet to go. Illustrations by Hastings are colorful at times and other times capture the bleakness of government surveillance.
All young friends of Dorothy will find a welcoming place in these pages. Appropriate for ages 5-9.
July 24, 2025
This appealing picture book functions well to explain to children growing up now *how it was* for people who are the age of their grand-parents or older people.
Unfortunately, it will also be useful for children growing up now in areas where the local politicians and perhaps some chunk of the local citizens are trying to drag everybody back to a time before we all had equal civil rights and protections.
Although it doesn't delineate how a person might hide their sexual or gender identity, it implies that we all might relate to being free to have and express the fullness of ourselves.
It also doesn't spell out but clearly implies that all human beings might find themselves in a position where some aspect of their identity is not deemed "acceptable" by someone else, and that this would be uncomfortable, unsafe, and unfair.
For this reason, it is a worthwhile read for all families of kids ages 4 to 9, whether or not they happen to include any LGBTQ people.
Brightly colorful, retro illustrations are cheerful and positive, using old-style patterns that resemble 1950s-era printing methods, like dot-screens and vignette shapes for focused background colors.
Unfortunately, it will also be useful for children growing up now in areas where the local politicians and perhaps some chunk of the local citizens are trying to drag everybody back to a time before we all had equal civil rights and protections.
Although it doesn't delineate how a person might hide their sexual or gender identity, it implies that we all might relate to being free to have and express the fullness of ourselves.
It also doesn't spell out but clearly implies that all human beings might find themselves in a position where some aspect of their identity is not deemed "acceptable" by someone else, and that this would be uncomfortable, unsafe, and unfair.
For this reason, it is a worthwhile read for all families of kids ages 4 to 9, whether or not they happen to include any LGBTQ people.
Brightly colorful, retro illustrations are cheerful and positive, using old-style patterns that resemble 1950s-era printing methods, like dot-screens and vignette shapes for focused background colors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2025
📖 Book Review 📖 This might just stand as an open letter to all of the other children’s books about activists or civil rights that I have read in the past, you may very well have just been upstaged by Are You A Friend of Dorothy?
Dear World,
We ALL need this book in our lives right now. I would say that at any point in time because it is absolutely stunning and tells such an important story and such a cool one indeed…hello code name! But the reality is that we are living in a very dark and frankly terrifying time for those marginalized people we read about in this very book. As someone who grew up outside of DC and attended shows at The Kennedy Center until January, my heart breaks to see Pride festivities cancelled there. And this is not an isolated incident and the hate goes far deeper.
We all need to step up and be reminded of what has been gained, where we still have to go, and equality for all is worth fighting for - because hate does not belong here 🏳️🌈❤️🏳️⚧️
This book is a great place to start…and beautiful for all ages!
Dear World,
We ALL need this book in our lives right now. I would say that at any point in time because it is absolutely stunning and tells such an important story and such a cool one indeed…hello code name! But the reality is that we are living in a very dark and frankly terrifying time for those marginalized people we read about in this very book. As someone who grew up outside of DC and attended shows at The Kennedy Center until January, my heart breaks to see Pride festivities cancelled there. And this is not an isolated incident and the hate goes far deeper.
We all need to step up and be reminded of what has been gained, where we still have to go, and equality for all is worth fighting for - because hate does not belong here 🏳️🌈❤️🏳️⚧️
This book is a great place to start…and beautiful for all ages!
March 17, 2026
Are you a friend of Dorothy?
Explore LGBTQ+ history as told through one of the coded symbols of communication.
Inspiring in its creativity, a humiliating and laughable way of confusing military, undercover detectives and others who were a part of the "Pink Scare", and featuring real-life history without sugar-coating the circumstances of LGBTQ+ people,
Kyle Lukoff's book addresses the history of "Are you a friend of Dorothy" giving a unique opportunity for upper Elementary levels and even through Adult reading comprehension of resources, tools, history, and famous individuals (not just Dorothy) that have helped shift, shape and create a community.
Full of a rainbow hued illustration of identities, subtle hints, and asking the question on everyone's mind, this book acts like a mystery to be solved for younger readers or those not in the know, and for others, as an outlet of culture and history.
Just for the record, I am VERY good friends with Dorothy and I couldn't be prouder to be her friend!
Explore LGBTQ+ history as told through one of the coded symbols of communication.
Inspiring in its creativity, a humiliating and laughable way of confusing military, undercover detectives and others who were a part of the "Pink Scare", and featuring real-life history without sugar-coating the circumstances of LGBTQ+ people,
Kyle Lukoff's book addresses the history of "Are you a friend of Dorothy" giving a unique opportunity for upper Elementary levels and even through Adult reading comprehension of resources, tools, history, and famous individuals (not just Dorothy) that have helped shift, shape and create a community.
Full of a rainbow hued illustration of identities, subtle hints, and asking the question on everyone's mind, this book acts like a mystery to be solved for younger readers or those not in the know, and for others, as an outlet of culture and history.
Just for the record, I am VERY good friends with Dorothy and I couldn't be prouder to be her friend!
June 11, 2025
Well there ya go, another book that made me cry as I am sitting at my desk in the kids room of the library.
This is a beautiful book and a supremely important book, especially right now. Our rights, especially those in the queer communities and squarely in the firing line. I often hear the old quote by Dr. King "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This is a hopeful sentence, but it is incomplete, you see. The original quote that Dr. King paraphrased was from an abolitionist minister in the 1850s. Without getting into the weeds with this, Reverend Theodore Parker, in his 1853 sermon basically said that while the arc of the universe may ultimately bend towards justice, it does not do so alone. It takes us to force that arc to bend justice's way.
I'll get off my soapbox now and just say that this is a wonderful, quick read and will make you feel all the feelings.
This is a beautiful book and a supremely important book, especially right now. Our rights, especially those in the queer communities and squarely in the firing line. I often hear the old quote by Dr. King "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This is a hopeful sentence, but it is incomplete, you see. The original quote that Dr. King paraphrased was from an abolitionist minister in the 1850s. Without getting into the weeds with this, Reverend Theodore Parker, in his 1853 sermon basically said that while the arc of the universe may ultimately bend towards justice, it does not do so alone. It takes us to force that arc to bend justice's way.
I'll get off my soapbox now and just say that this is a wonderful, quick read and will make you feel all the feelings.
May 1, 2025
This is a nonfiction picture book that looks at the historical usage of the phrase “friend of Dorothy” for LGBTQ Americans during the 20th century, and how different queer peoples found communities and safe spaces regardless of overt oppression.
An approachable picture book geared for younger audiences that helps illustrate LGBTQ history and culture. I didn’t know all of the background for the phrase myself, so it was interesting to see the different possibilities for where “Dorothy” came from. There is nothing objectionable in the text - no mature content, violence, or language - the only concern would be if you have people in your community that object to LGBTQ people existing. Otherwise, it would be a great addition to your library. I can’t see lots of kids checking it out, but for the right kid, it will be the right book.
An approachable picture book geared for younger audiences that helps illustrate LGBTQ history and culture. I didn’t know all of the background for the phrase myself, so it was interesting to see the different possibilities for where “Dorothy” came from. There is nothing objectionable in the text - no mature content, violence, or language - the only concern would be if you have people in your community that object to LGBTQ people existing. Otherwise, it would be a great addition to your library. I can’t see lots of kids checking it out, but for the right kid, it will be the right book.
April 29, 2026
Help your young readers learn a bit of Pride History this month with this amazing picture book!
A special friend mentioned between strangers offered safety, understanding, and hope. For not that long ago even someone hinting about being part of the LGBTQ community would risk their job, friends, even family. The punishments were swift and extreme, leaving many people in constant fear.
A special name brought some hope to the community: by simply asking “Are you a friend of Dorothy?”
The answer would equal instant safety or a telling tale to keep their true selves hidden.
By far this is the most fascinating picture book I have read this past month! A true testament to the cruelty individuals of the LGBTQ community have faced but also the ingenuity that provided a sense of community.
A special friend mentioned between strangers offered safety, understanding, and hope. For not that long ago even someone hinting about being part of the LGBTQ community would risk their job, friends, even family. The punishments were swift and extreme, leaving many people in constant fear.
A special name brought some hope to the community: by simply asking “Are you a friend of Dorothy?”
The answer would equal instant safety or a telling tale to keep their true selves hidden.
By far this is the most fascinating picture book I have read this past month! A true testament to the cruelty individuals of the LGBTQ community have faced but also the ingenuity that provided a sense of community.
April 13, 2025
The LGBT community had many ways of secretly coming out to each other, and outsiders didn't know. Might be a book they were holding or a particular flower. One of these ways was asking "Are you a friend of Dorothy?" It was a hard time to be gay or lesbian because you could be fired from your job, even if it was kept a secret.
What an interesting piece of LGTBQIA+ history! Kyle Lukoff's explanations are great, and I loved Hastings illustrations. I love the sneaky navy people trying to figure out who this "Dorothy" was. I was concerned that the book is about adults contacting each other, but the cover picture characters look like children. Characters are LGBTQIA or Navy Personnel
What an interesting piece of LGTBQIA+ history! Kyle Lukoff's explanations are great, and I loved Hastings illustrations. I love the sneaky navy people trying to figure out who this "Dorothy" was. I was concerned that the book is about adults contacting each other, but the cover picture characters look like children. Characters are LGBTQIA or Navy Personnel
August 8, 2025
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
A fun, informative, and at times humorous telling of the history of the phrase "Are You a Friend of Dorothy?" and how it sparked a government investigation into a person who didn't exist.
Nicely written. Lukoff tells the story in an interesting way, weaving in themes of community, connection, and perseverance.
Beautiful illustrations. I love all the color.
There is a note in the back about the changing terms used to describe the LGBTQIA+ community throughout time.
A wonderful read. I loved the focus on finding community and being yourself.
A fun, informative, and at times humorous telling of the history of the phrase "Are You a Friend of Dorothy?" and how it sparked a government investigation into a person who didn't exist.
Nicely written. Lukoff tells the story in an interesting way, weaving in themes of community, connection, and perseverance.
Beautiful illustrations. I love all the color.
There is a note in the back about the changing terms used to describe the LGBTQIA+ community throughout time.
A wonderful read. I loved the focus on finding community and being yourself.
October 27, 2025
Even though this is a picture book, I would recommend it for kids maybe 2nd or 3rd grade or older. It's a lovely book, just not a very plot-driven one, and littles might get bored. Older kids, though, who have a better grasp on the nuance of secret-keeping and communicating in a sneaky way, might really admire the book's subjects.
And who are these subjects, you may ask? They are people in the LGBTQ+ community who use the name Dorothy to identify each other in times and environments when it may not be safe to come out openly.
I'm very happy this book exists and I hope it makes young queer readers feel seen and hopeful.
And who are these subjects, you may ask? They are people in the LGBTQ+ community who use the name Dorothy to identify each other in times and environments when it may not be safe to come out openly.
I'm very happy this book exists and I hope it makes young queer readers feel seen and hopeful.
March 31, 2026
You see, people always know how to find each other. And when it isn't safe to be out as yourself, you can always create ways to learn who your friends might be...Outside you might be quiet and plain, but inside you could be bright and free. Surrounded by friends who saw who you really were.
This is a beautiful and fascinating book about the fruitless search by fruitless folk for the meaning of a queer coded question. It is touching to see how people make room for themselves and for joy and levity even during times of fear and restriction. For as long as people have existed, so too have queer people existed — and they always will.
This is a beautiful and fascinating book about the fruitless search by fruitless folk for the meaning of a queer coded question. It is touching to see how people make room for themselves and for joy and levity even during times of fear and restriction. For as long as people have existed, so too have queer people existed — and they always will.
June 4, 2025
Really enjoyed this. I liked that this was a very specific piece of Gay history for children! It shows the resourcefulness of a community, the ways in which they connected during especially tumultuous times in our society, and points to potential individuals who inspired this connection.
I think the narrative flowed nicely despite having a lot to say, and it was a cute and niche look at community. Definitely lots of friends of Dorothy.
Read this for library school as one of 50 children’s books to put on a tally sheet.
I think the narrative flowed nicely despite having a lot to say, and it was a cute and niche look at community. Definitely lots of friends of Dorothy.
Read this for library school as one of 50 children’s books to put on a tally sheet.
January 4, 2025
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
This is a great, informative book the LGBTQ+ community in the 1950’s and 60’s, especially those who were in the military. I loved the art style throughout the book as well as the history of how military members kept themselves safe from prosecution. There is some information about the continued struggle today and over all it is a great introduction to the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community in modern American history.
This is a great, informative book the LGBTQ+ community in the 1950’s and 60’s, especially those who were in the military. I loved the art style throughout the book as well as the history of how military members kept themselves safe from prosecution. There is some information about the continued struggle today and over all it is a great introduction to the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community in modern American history.
July 24, 2025
Leave it to a former children's librarian to write a pitch perfect book for youth about the history of the phrase "Are you a friend of Dorothy?" Not only is the book informational, but it also has a level of intrigue as kids follow along with the undercover spies who are mistaken in a vaguely comedic way. It also has an excellent explanatory author's note at the end. The artwork is lovely; it's bright and colorful and nods appropriately to various gay icons and regular people.
August 7, 2025
I just read this sitting in my local library branch. My own kid is too old for picture books now, but I have a niece who’s the right age to enjoy this one, & I immediately texted my sister-in-law to tell her about it. Lukoff nails the exact right tone for engaging kids. He’s able to talk about a scary time in queer history while also highlighting the creativity, joy, & resilience of the folks who lived through it.
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