The boy is drawn to the music and folk dancing and forms of expression that are traditionally considered female in his Rajasthani culture, but he can only move to those rhythms in secret. He finds courage in the shadow of grief, putting on the clothes that call to him. “In the spinning, twisting turns / fear is tucked away. / Worry quiets. / And so … so … SHE stands. / A goddess. / Shining, strong, proud.” This stirring, poetic tribute to Indian drag performer Queen Harish chronicles her life and career, including the initial harsh response to her performances. Queen Harish dazzled, though, gradually drawing people in with her talent, grace, and warmth. “Not / Boy OR girl. / Man OR woman. / But / fluid / flowing / like a dance / in between / and all around.” Vibrant pen-and-ink and paint illustrations feature scenes and images pulsing with color set against jewel-hued backdrops. The art is rich with cultural elements from Jaisalmer, the northern Indian city where Queen Harish (Harish Kumar) was from. Essential biographical and contextual information about Queen Harish/Harish Kumar, who died in a car accident in 2019, is at volume’s end. (Age 10 and older)