Photo by John Allen Phillips
A vibrant new children’s book by nonbinary author Ris iRAWniQ Anderson
For most people, gender rebel icon Grace Jones is not the first person to come to mind when one thinks of a children’s book. Then again, most people aren’t L.A.-based nonbinary author, alternative hip hop artist, mother and activist Ris iRAWniQ Anderson. The just published “Charlie’s Best Work Yet,” in which an androgynous fifth grader finds a hero in Jones, is the latest in a career aswirl with colorfully avant-garde projects.
In the vibrantly illustrated book, iRAWniQ tells the semi-autobiographical story of Charlie, a shy, artistic young girl who is uplifted and empowered to be her true self by the women in her life. Star basketball player Devin encourages her to enter the school talent show. A photo of Grace Jones fires her imagination. Bus driver Ms. Bobbi compliments her on her “rad” outfits and dismissal of bullies. Her unconventional grandma inspires her to create, be unique and dress as she pleases.
“I wanted to write a book that I would have loved as a child, one that was safe enough for my Christian mom to buy, but also abstract enough so that kids like me would gravitate toward it.”
“I wanted to write a book that I would have loved as a child, one that was safe enough for my Christian mom to buy, but also abstract enough so that kids like me would gravitate toward it,” says iRAWniQ of “Charlie’s Best Work Yet.”
“Charlie’s Best Work Yet” by Ris iRAWniQ Anderson is published by Charlie Girl Publishing LLC and widely available on major platforms, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble and to order at independent bookstores everywhere. Follow the author @irawniq and book @charliesbestworkyet.
