Who Is RuPaul? (Who Was?)
Who Was . . . ? Series, Who HQ Now
illustrations by
on Goodreads (280)
What’s inside...
Learn how this Emmy-winning host, producer, and television personality became the world's most famous drag queen. RuPaul Andre Charles always knew he was meant to be a performer. Even as a young child, he loved to dress up and imitate the glamorous women he saw on television. When he turned fifteen, he began studying theater in a performing arts school in Atlanta and never looked back. Ru developed his drag-queen personality and launched his career in the 1980s. He now hosts and judges the widely popular and long-running show RuPaul's Drag Race, which has raised the profile of the art of drag, and drag queens around the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rupaul Andre Charles
Discussion points
What challenges do you think RuPaul faced on his journey to becoming famous?
How does RuPaul inspire people to be themselves?
Why do you think it's important to respect and celebrate everyone's unique differences?
Can you think of ways you can express yourself and your individuality?
What did you learn about the drag community and its impact on society after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about RuPaul's story, emphasizing that every person's journey is unique and valuable.
Discuss the importance of acceptance and understanding diverse perspectives, reinforcing these values through examples from the book and real-life applications.
Use the book as an opportunity to explore the broader topics of creativity and self-expression, and relate them to your child's personal experiences or aspirations.
Highlight the historical and cultural impact of figures like RuPaul, and encourage critical thinking about how one person's actions can influence society.
Create a supportive space for your child to ask questions and share their interpretations of the book's themes, fostering an open and ongoing dialogue.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The story of RuPaul emphasizes the importance of accepting and celebrating one's unique identity. It highlights RuPaul's journey of self-discovery and his bold expression of individuality through his career in entertainment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own uniqueness and feel confident expressing themselves in various aspects of life, whether it’s in their choice of hobbies, clothing, or in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Adversity
Explanation: RuPaul faced numerous challenges on his path to fame, including societal judgments and personal hurdles. The book showcases his resilience and determination to succeed despite these obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of perseverance and courage in difficult times. It encourages them to overcome their own obstacles and to pursue their goals with determination.
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity
Explanation: RuPaul's career is a testament to the power of creativity, both in his performances and his approach to personal and professional challenges. The book highlights how he used creativity as a tool for expression and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use creativity to express themselves and to think outside the box when faced with challenges. This can be applied in their academic work, social interactions, and personal projects.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: RuPaul’s story introduces children to diverse cultures and lifestyles, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. It encourages respect and understanding for all people, regardless of their background or identity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and respectful in their daily interactions, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their communities.