“What Kind of Queen?” Celebrates Pioneer Drag Queen And Activist José Sarria aka The Widow Norton

Just in time for the upcoming 2026 LGBTQ Pride Season, Abrams Books is dropping a terrific new picture book for kids, aged 4 to 8. WHAT KIND OF QUEEN? is a biography of José Sarria, the San Francisco activist, drag star, and the first openly out gay candidate to run for public office in the U.S.

Sarria was known by many names including The Grand Mere, Absolute Empress I de San Francisco, and the Widow Norton and was the founder of the Imperial Court System.

It was written by By Kyle Casey Chu and Andrew W. Shaffer and illustrated by Cindy Lozito and it’s publish date is April 29, 2026 and is available at all the finer bookstores including Seattle’s own Elliott Bay Book Company (pre-order at https://www.elliottbaybook.com/item/jpo2KjG8N1UJn4TyoylmTg )and online at https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/what-kind-of-queen_9781419780806/

All the intel:

Once upon a time, there lived a boy named José who dreamed of becoming royalty—and of a queendom where everyone would be treated fairly and with respect.

A child of immigrants from Colombia, José Sarria was born in San Francisco in 1922. With the support of his family, he grew up to discover what it means to be a queen: he fought against evil by serving in WWII, helping to liberate a Nazi concentration camp; he inspired others to be their authentic selves by performing at San Francisco’s Black Cat Café, a haven for artists and activists; and he cared for his community through his LGBTQ+ advocacy work, including the establishment of the Imperial Court System, a global charitable organization that still thrives today.

Sarria led by example, joyfully giving back to his community while challenging the status quo. With a fairy-tale feel and radiant illustrations, this picture book biography celebrates his legacy of seeing the world not as it is but as it could be.

WHAT KIND OF QUEEN? (on-sale: 4/28 written by Kyle Casey Chu & Andrew W. Shaffer and
Illustrated by Cindy Lozito) is a radiant celebration of a trailblazing activist, drag performer, and the first openly gay person to run for public office in the United States. This story introduces young readers to a figure who helped redefine what leadership and belonging can look like.

Told with a warm, fairy-tale sensibility and brought to life through Cindy Lozito’s vibrant, research-driven illustrations, this picture book is co-written by Drag Story Hour cofounder Kyle Casey Chu and historian Andrew W. Shaffer, both of whom have deep personal connections to Sarria’s legacy.

Kyle Casey Chu is also having a major moment: her debut middle-grade novel The Queen Bees of Tybee County has earned widespread acclaim, including recognition as an ABA Indies Introduce Pick, Indie Next Pick, CALIBA Golden Poppy Finalist, and a “Best Book of 2025” by the New York Public Library, Booklist, and School Library Journal. Her growing profile, alongside her advocacy work and viral essay in Vogue about Drag Story Hour, positions her as an exciting and influential voice across age categories.