Prince & Knight

Once upon a time, a prince is in line to take his kingdom's throne, so his parents — the king and queen — decide he must first find a bride to help him rule. The three travel to nearby kingdoms to meet a variety of potential princess suitors, but the prince does not find what he is looking for in the princesses the trio meets.

While away, the prince receives news that a dragon is attacking his kingdom. The prince rushes back to battle the monster, and a knight arrives to assist. The two work together, the knight using his shield to blind the dragon, which allows the prince to successfully trap the beast. However, in doing so, the prince loses his balance and falls. The knight rushes in on horseback and catches the prince in his arms.

The two thank each other for saving their lives, and they fall in love. Their marriage is fully supported by the community, who cheer along at the couple's wedding, and by the prince's parents. The prince and the knight live happily ever after.

Prince & Knight was first released in hardcover on May 1, 2018, as the lead title in a partnership between Bonnier Publishing USA and GLAAD. The launch received significant press attention, including from A Plus,{{Cite web|title=This Love Story Between 'Prince & Knight' Is The First In A Series Of Inclusive Children's Books|url=https://articles.aplus.com/a/glaad-lgbtq-childrens-books-prince-and-knight|last=O'Rourke|first=Jill|date=2018-05-18|website=A Plus|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2019-09-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904040245/https://articles.aplus.com/a/glaad-lgbtq-childrens-books-prince-and-knight|url-status=dead}} the Chicago Tribune,{{Cite web|title=16 LGBTQ children's books for Pride|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/books/ct-lgbtq-children-books-20180606-photogallery.html|website=chicagotribune.com|date=12 June 2018|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2021-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226002125/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/books/ct-lgbtq-children-books-20180606-photogallery.html|url-status=live}} Gay Times,{{Cite web|title=GLAAD set to publish four LGBTQ children's books starting with a gay love story between a prince and a knight|url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/106606/glaad-set-to-publish-four-lgbtq-childrens-book-starting-with-gay-love-story-between-a-prince-and-a-knight/|date=2018-05-19|website=Gay Times|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2019-09-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904040243/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/106606/glaad-set-to-publish-four-lgbtq-childrens-book-starting-with-gay-love-story-between-a-prince-and-a-knight/|url-status=live}} NewNowNext,{{Cite web|title=This LGBT-Friendly Children's Book From GLAAD Will Make Your Day {{!}} NewNowNext|url=http://www.newnownext.com/glaad-gay-childrens-books/05/2018/|website=www.newnownext.com|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2020-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207022732/http://www.newnownext.com/glaad-gay-childrens-books/05/2018/|url-status=live}} PinkNews,{{Cite web|title=This children's book features a gay love story and it will warm your heart|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/05/18/gay-childrens-book-prince-knight-love-story/|date=2018-05-18|website=PinkNews|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2021-02-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211024950/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/05/18/gay-childrens-book-prince-knight-love-story/|url-status=live}} PopSugar,{{Cite web|title=A Prince Meets His Knight in Shining Armor in This New, Inclusive Children's Book|url=https://www.popsugar.com/node/44869740|last=Messina|first=Victoria|date=2018-05-30|website=POPSUGAR Family|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-04}} The TODAY Show,{{Cite web|title=16 picture books to help you raise kind, tolerant kids|url=https://www.today.com/parents/15-kids-picture-books-about-lgbtq-tolerance-celebrate-pride-t129950|website=TODAY.com|language=en|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2021-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316193004/https://www.today.com/parents/15-kids-picture-books-about-lgbtq-tolerance-celebrate-pride-t129950|url-status=live}} and TheWrap.

In interviews with GLAAD and HuffPost, Haack noted that he was inspired to write Prince & Knight after seeing a dearth of LGBTQ+ representation in children's media, especially those featuring human characters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/ed/19/01/study-skills-daniel-haack|title=Study Skills: Daniel Haack|last=Hough|first=Lory|website=Harvard Graduate School of Education|date=22 January 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2021-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219063729/https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/ed/19/01/study-skills-daniel-haack|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.freedomforallamericans.org/qa-with-daniel-haack-author-of-prince-knight-new-childrens-book-starring-same-sex-couple/|title=Q&A with Daniel Haack, Author of 'Prince & Knight,' New Children's Book Starring Same-Sex Couple|date=2018-05-04|website=Freedom for All Americans|language=en|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2021-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320112616/https://freedomforallamericans.org/qa-with-daniel-haack-author-of-prince-knight-new-childrens-book-starring-same-sex-couple/|url-status=live}} In crafting the narrative, he specifically thought "it would be fun to play around with the Prince Charming and Knight in shining armor" archetypes and wanted to show kids that gay people "are just as capable of being the brave heroes, and are just as worthy as anyone of being in love."{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/prince-and-knight-gay-kids-book_n_5afd932fe4b0779345d6be89|title='Prince & Knight' Puts A Gay-Inclusive Twist On Traditional Fairy Tales|last=Wong|first=Curtis M.|date=2018-05-17|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2021-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309222813/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/prince-and-knight-gay-kids-book_n_5afd932fe4b0779345d6be89|url-status=live}}

GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, commenting on the nature of the Bonnier Publishing/GLAAD partnership and importance of queer representation in literature, said, "[Books] are a natural progression to encourage awareness, kindness, and acceptance at an early age" and that "it’s so important that my two kids and others like them see their families reflected in the media."

In addition to the original hardcover copy, French (Le Prince Et Le Chevalier) and Japanese (王子と騎士) editions were published by Scholastic Canada and Oakla Publishing, respectively. A special paperback edition was released in 2019 by Scholastic Corporation for its in-school Scholastic Book Club, and a board book version was released in 2020.{{Cite web|title=Prince & Knight|url=https://shop.scholastic.com/teachers-ecommerce/teacher/books/prince-knight-9781338564648.html|website=shop.scholastic.com|access-date=2020-05-20|archive-date=2021-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117163720/https://shop.scholastic.com/teachers-ecommerce/teacher/books/prince-knight-9781338564648.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|title=Prince & Knight Board book – April 28, 2020|isbn=978-1499805529 |last1=Haack |first1=Daniel |date=May 2018 |publisher=Little bee books }}

A companion book, Maiden & Princess, co-authored by Haack and Isabel Galupo and illustrated by Becca Human, was released in April 2019.{{Cite web|title=In 'Maiden & Princess,' Two Young Women Find Their Happily Ever After|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/maiden-and-princess-childrens-book_n_5b927e93e4b0cf7b003f1754|last=Wong|first=Curtis M.|date=2018-09-07|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=2020-05-20|archive-date=2020-12-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218213227/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/maiden-and-princess-childrens-book_n_5b927e93e4b0cf7b003f1754|url-status=live}} In this children’s book, a brave prince comes of age and a ball is held to find him a bride. A warrior girl attends but does not love the prince, instead falling in love with a girl she meets outside.Haack, Daniel, et al. Maiden & Princess. Little Bee Books, 2019. This girl turns out to be the princess of the kingdom. Maiden & Princess features diverse characters and a message about staying true to oneself.{{Cite web |date=2019-06-11 |title=Maiden & Princess: A LGBTQ Picture Book |url=https://teacherbees.ca/maiden-princess/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=The Teacher Bees Blog |archive-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327173211/https://teacherbees.ca/maiden-princess/ |url-status=live }}

According to Haack's personal website, the publication description characterizes Prince & Knight as "a children’s picture book" for ages 4–8 (Kirkus Review, 29) that combines text with full-page illustrations by Stevie Lewis.

As noted by Mombian founder Dana Rudoulph, Prince & Knight echoes the name and plot of King & King. Rudoulph argues that opposed to the "frenetic" and "off-kilter" illustrations in King & King, those of Prince & Knight, "have a charming, Disney-like quality to them."{{Cite web|title=GLAAD and Bonnier Publishing USA Partner to Increase and Elevate LGBTQ Kids' Books|url=https://www.mombian.com/2018/05/17/glaad-and-bonnier-publishing-usa-partner-increase-elevate-lgbtq-kids-books/|last=Rudolph|first=Dana|date=17 May 2018|access-date=20 May 2020|archive-date=16 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816102715/https://www.mombian.com/2018/05/17/glaad-and-bonnier-publishing-usa-partner-increase-elevate-lgbtq-kids-books/|url-status=live}} Additionally, Booklist, in a review of the piece, states the duo of Haack and Lewis have "constructed a colorful and entertaining tale exploring sexuality, acceptance, and young love."

Prince & Knight has received positive industry reviews since its release. Kirkus Reviews gave it a starred review, calling it "victorious" and the "premier queer-friendly fairy tale for this age set."{{Cite book|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/daniel-haack/prince-knight/|title=PRINCE & KNIGHT by Daniel Haack , Stevie Lewis {{!}} Kirkus Reviews|language=en|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2019-09-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904040241/https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/daniel-haack/prince-knight/|url-status=live}} The School Library Journal said, "This is an illuminating fairy tale for young readers...A great addition to any library or classroom."{{Cite web|url=https://www.slj.com/?reviewDetail=prince--knight|title=Prince & Knight|last=Daniel|first=HAACK|website=School Library Journal|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190220/https://www.slj.com/%3FreviewDetail%3Dprince--knight|url-status=live}} Similarly, the Chicago Tribune wrote that "newcomer Daniel Haack has penned a much-needed LGBT fairy tale [that] hits just the right notes; it’s at once matter-of-fact and alive to the magic of true love."{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/books/sc-books-childrens-best-2018-1219-story.html|title=Best children's books of 2018: From an LGBTQ fairytale to an immigration story|last=Schoenberg|first=Nara|website=chicagotribune.com|date=17 December 2018|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2019-09-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904040244/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/books/sc-books-childrens-best-2018-1219-story.html|url-status=live}} Bookish noted that "Haack has written a beautifully inclusive fairy tale made all the more special by Stevie Lewis’s magical illustrations."{{Cite web|url=https://www.bookish.com/articles/new-releases-may-1/|title=This Week's Hottest Releases: April 29 - May 6|last=Collins|first=Myfanwy|date=2018-05-01|website=Bookish|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2019-09-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904040242/https://www.bookish.com/articles/new-releases-may-1/|url-status=dead}}

Prince & Knight was named to the American Library Association's 2019 Rainbow List Top Ten.{{Cite web|title=LGBTQ-inclusive Kids' and YA Books Honored in 2019 Youth Media Awards and Rainbow Book List|url=https://www.mombian.com/2019/01/28/lgbtq-inclusive-kids-and-ya-books-honored-in-2019-youth-media-awards-and-rainbow-book-list/|date=2019-01-28|website=Mombian|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2020-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108020620/https://mombian.com/2019/01/28/lgbtq-inclusive-kids-and-ya-books-honored-in-2019-youth-media-awards-and-rainbow-book-list/|url-status=live}} It was also a Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Best Picture Book and was named a best children's book of 2018 by Amazon,{{Cite web|title=Best children's books of 2019: ages 6 to 8|url=https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_BOTYkid_2c1_w?node=17296349011|access-date=2019-09-04|website=www.amazon.com|archive-date=2018-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219161517/https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_BOTYkid_2c1_w?node=17296349011|url-status=live}} the Chicago Tribune,{{Cite web|title=Best children's books of 2018: From an LGBTQ fairytale to an immigration story|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/books/sc-books-childrens-best-2018-1219-story.html|last=Schoenberg|first=Nara|website=chicagotribune.com|date=17 December 2018|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2019-09-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904040244/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/books/sc-books-childrens-best-2018-1219-story.html|url-status=live}} Kirkus Reviews,{{Cite web|title=Best Picture Books of 2018 That Celebrate the Family (pg. 3)|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/best-picture-books-of-2018-that-celebrate-the-fami/prince-knight/|website=Kirkus Reviews|language=en|access-date=2019-09-04|archive-date=2019-09-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904040244/https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/best-picture-books-of-2018-that-celebrate-the-fami/prince-knight/|url-status=dead}} and PopSugar.{{Cite web|title=The Best Books For Kids in 2018, as Voted by Actual Kids and Parents Who Read Them|url=https://www.popsugar.com/node/45549567|last=Santoro|first=Alessia|date=2018-12-12|website=POPSUGAR Family|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-04}}

According to the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, Prince & Knight was the fifth most challenged book of 2019.{{Cite web|title=Top 10 Most Challenged Books Lists (2019)|url=http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10|date=20 April 2020|website=American Library Association|access-date=20 May 2020|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512032100/http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10|url-status=live}} Oft stated reasons for the book to be challenged include its LGBTQIA+ content; for being “a deliberate attempt to indoctrinate young children” with the potential to cause confusion, curiosity, and gender dysphoria; and for conflicting with a religious viewpoint.

Deborah Caldwell Stone, executive director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom, says, "Our concern [as an organization] is the fact that many of the books are age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate books intended for young people" but are challenged because "they allegedly advance a political agenda or sexualize children."{{Cite news|last=Hauser|first=Christine|date=2020-04-21|title=There's a Common Thread Tying Together 2019's 'Most Challenged' Books: L.G.B.T.Q. Issues|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/21/books/banned-books-lgbtq.html|access-date=2020-05-20|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2021-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417220946/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/21/books/banned-books-lgbtq.html|url-status=live}} According to findings from the ALA, the challenges came from parents, legislators, and religious leaders.

The Upshur County Public Library in West Virginia removed Prince & Knight from its shelves after Josh Layfield, a Calvary Chapel Mountain Highlands pastor,{{Cite web|title=A, you guessed it, US pastor just said gay characters in children's books will turn you gay|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2019/11/23/prince-and-knight-daniel-haack-west-virginia-glaad-backash/|date=2019-11-23|website=PinkNews|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-20|archive-date=2021-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120065111/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2019/11/23/prince-and-knight-daniel-haack-west-virginia-glaad-backash/|url-status=live}} met with library officials to voice his opposition to the book.

In a since-deleted Facebook post, Layfield said:{{Cite web|title=EXCLUSIVE: Upshur County Library Board reviewing controversial book promoting homosexuality to children.|url=https://mountaineerjournal.com/2019/11/16/upshur-county-library-board-reviewing-controversial-book-promoting-homosexuality-to-children/|last=Cowger|first=Caiden|date=2019-11-16|website=Mountaineer Journal|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-20|archive-date=2021-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308161804/https://mountaineerjournal.com/2019/11/16/upshur-county-library-board-reviewing-controversial-book-promoting-homosexuality-to-children/|url-status=live}}

This book is a deliberate attempt to indoctrinate young children, especially boys, into the LGBTQA lifestyle. This book is deliberately appealing to their imagination, creativity, and their innocence… Children’s books, which are promoted by the state and put into circulation by taxpayer funds, should remain innocent. Unfortunately, this is an intentional leading of children into sin.

Layfield's comments and the decision to pull the book from library shelves prompted responses from local and national LGBTQ+ and censorship advocates.

Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President and CEO, said in a statement:

The decision to remove Prince & Knight from the shelves of the Upshur County Public Library is an act of discrimination, plain and simple ... inclusive children’s books do not "indoctrinate" but do allow LGBTQ families and their children the chance to see themselves reflected in the world.

Additionally, the National Coalition Against Censorship, the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom, and West Virginia Library Association have all urged Upshur County to return the book to circulation. In a letter to board members, the WVLA stated:

One parent’s — or community member’s — belief that a book is inappropriate for their family should not be grounds for restricting that title when the book may be a treasured favorite for other children and families.

According to the New York Times and the ALA's field report, Prince & Knight "was temporarily removed from the library, but later returned."

In Loudoun County, Virginia, the local school district faced several challenges to pieces of literature that were instated as a component of a "diverse classroom libraries" initiative for elementary and high school classrooms.{{Cite news|title=Angry parents protest LGBTQ books in Virginia classrooms|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/perversity-angry-parents-protest-lgbtq-books-in-loudoun-classrooms/2019/11/10/6dbe0024-01b3-11ea-9518-1e76abc088b6_story.html|last=Schmidt|first=Samantha|date=10 November 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=21 May 2020|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428200822/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/perversity-angry-parents-protest-lgbtq-books-in-loudoun-classrooms/2019/11/10/6dbe0024-01b3-11ea-9518-1e76abc088b6_story.html|url-status=live}} Most challenges centered on the LGBTQ+ pieces of literature, despite constituting only five percent of designated texts for the program. Specifically, Heather Has Two Mommies, My Princess Boy, and Prince & Knight received the most requests for reconsideration by parents and citizens, according to internal district documents, with Prince & Knight having been moved to the school counseling office while under reconsideration.{{Cite web|title=Loudoun County Schools Debate LGBTQ Books in Classroom Libraries|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/11/16/loudoun-county-schools-debate-lgbtq-books-in-classroom-libraries/|last=Van Slooten|first=Philip|date=16 November 2019|website=Washington Blade|access-date=21 May 2020|archive-date=18 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218200508/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/11/16/loudoun-county-schools-debate-lgbtq-books-in-classroom-libraries/|url-status=live}}

Both those opposed and in support of the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ texts in the diversity initiative voiced their positions during a lengthy six-hour board of education meeting to discuss the controversy.{{Cite web|title=Supporters, opponents of Loudoun County Public Schools' diverse libraries come out in force|url=https://www.loudountimes.com/news/supporters-opponents-of-loudoun-county-public-schools-diverse-libraries-come-out-in-force/article_5095d1d8-f5cf-11e9-a423-0bf60e98194d.html|last=Battiston|first=John|website=LoudounTimes.com|date=24 October 2019|language=en|access-date=2020-05-21|archive-date=2020-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923213625/https://www.loudountimes.com/news/supporters-opponents-of-loudoun-county-public-schools-diverse-libraries-come-out-in-force/article_5095d1d8-f5cf-11e9-a423-0bf60e98194d.html|url-status=live}} Byron Cross, a physical education teacher in the district, said that all books that "could potentially confuse a child of who they are biologically [should be removed]." Another parent in attendance stated during the public comment, "I cannot stomach reading written porn, but my child can?"

The increase in media attention that resulted as the growing controversy grew prompted intervention by the National Coalition Against Censorship, who argued in an op-ed for the local newspaper:

All parents have the right to influence their own child’s education. Equally true: No parent has the right to dictate the education of all children based on their own personal beliefs.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Prince and Knight}}

Category:2010s LGBTQ literature

Category:2018 children's books

Category:2018 LGBTQ-related literary works

Category:American picture books

Category:Children's books with LGBTQ themes

Category:Fiction about same-sex marriage

Category:LGBTQ literature in the United States

Category:LGBTQ-related controversies in literature