The Fabulous Edweena

  • Illustrated By: Melissa Cho
  • Pages:24
  • Publisher:Second Story Press
  • Themes:Drag, LGBTQIA2S+, figure skating, coming out, queer community
  •  
  • Available:03/18/2025
  • Lexile:570L
  • Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient:M
Hardcover
9781772604047
$21.95

Edwin loves his sister Patsy’s closet. He adores dresses and earrings and boots with high heels. And when he’s finished getting dressed, Edwin is transformed…into the fabulous Edweena!

Today is the figure skating competition at school and Edwin has decided to compete as Edweena. What will people say when they meet her for the first time? Can a boy in drag win the competition? Edweena will have to give her best performance ever to find out!

"A figure-skating competition offers an opportunity for a child to explore individual expression in this personal-feeling picture book by Dumont, who is of Ojibway heritage....Edwin transforms into Edweena Louisa: it’s 'the first time my classmates will see me wear a dress and heels.' Fearing disapproval despite the excitement, Edweena heads to the rink, where affirming reactions lead to the triumphant child feeling that 'I’ve already won.' Cho’s scratchy, star-splashed illustrations portray would-be naysayers using monochromatic filters, while Edweena appears vibrant on every page."
– Publishers Weekly

"In this gentle tale, a young figure skater named Edwin borrows his sister’s clothes for competition….In a unique narrative choice, readers never learn if Edweena wins the competition. The self-confidence and acceptance gained throughout the story are the true rewards. VERDICT A heartwarming story that will enrich any collection."

– School Library Journal

"This picture book addresses important themes of self-acceptance and encouragement of others... This is a sweet and positive story."

– CM Reviews

"A heartening, picture-book introduction to drag….The book’s illustrations are bright, celebratory, and full of movement, though at times, in contrast, there are shadows in the background of the people who make Edwin anxious. Cho makes sure the reader remembers that it is Edwin who is underneath Edweena’s fabulous appearance. Though his drag is beautiful, it is Edwin’s bravery and confidence that we most admire and learn from."

– Quill & Quire
"Many emerging writers out there hold on closely to the dream of being a published author, and it is always inspiring when an artist with a distinct voice and a story to tell achieves that dream…This lively and inspiring book has been released in both an English language edition, with incredible illustrations by Melissa Cho, and there is an English and Anishinaabemowin edition, with translations by Angela Mesic and Margaret Noodin."
– Open Book