Yahoo Lifestyle “RuPaul's Drag Race ”Star Eureka O’Hara Celebrates the ‘Power’ of Drag and Self-Expression in Debut Kids Book (Exclusive)
“This story is for every kid who has ever been told they have to fit into a box that doesn’t feel right,” O’Hara says of the middle-grade novel, out this fall
Clavel; Amulet Books
Eureka O'Hara and the cover of 'Jackson Bright in the Spotlight'RuPaul's Drag Race star Eureka O’Hara is taking on the literary world!
PEOPLE can exclusively reveal the cover of Jackson Bright in the Spotlight, O’Hara’s debut middle grade novel, co-written with bestselling Magic Misfits series author Dan Poblocki. The book, which also features illustrations by Ricardo Bessa, will be published by Amulet Books this fall.
The book follows Jackson Bright, who faces bullying and a trip to the principal’s office when he wears a dress to school. Despite being told that he needs to “dress like a boy,” Jackson finds that he feels confident while wearing the dress.
When Jackson learns of his town’s upcoming Little Miss pageant, he comes up with a plan: Jackson will dress in drag in order to compete. With the help of his nonbinary best friend Eva, as well as his Uncle Aaron, Jackson throws himself into perfecting a talent act, writing a speech and coming up with even more “dazzling” outfits.
Amulet Books
'Jackson Bright in the Spotlight' by Eureka O'Hara and Dan Poblocki“As he navigates the ups and downs of the competition — while keeping the secret of who he really is and hiding a growing crush on his rival's brother — Jackson learns the importance of staying true to yourself in a world that may not always accept you,” the book’s synopsis states.
For O’Hara, Jackson Bright in the Spotlight was a crucial story to tell.
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“When you’re young and questioning where you fit in the world, seeing someone like you in a story can mean everything,” the new author tells PEOPLE. “This book is for every kid who has felt different and needed a reminder that they are perfect just as they are.”
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“If a book like this had existed when I was growing up, I might have found the courage to embrace myself sooner,” O’Hara adds. “I wanted to give kids today that chance — to see themselves, to know they belong and to understand that their identity is valid.”
The We’re Here star also noted the importance of including drag in the novel, particularly as a way to share “joy, confidence and self-expression.”
Clavel
Eureka O'Hara“Putting on a dress doesn’t change who you are, but sometimes it helps you find the person you were meant to be,” O’Hara says. “The world may try to tell you who to be, but the real magic happens when you decide for yourself. Jackson is proof of that.”
O’Hara, who came out as transgender in 2022, also notes that the book is particularly important in terms of representation, and sharing a sense of belonging with young readers.
“I wrote Jackson Bright in the Spotlight because I never want another trans or nonbinary kid to feel like they’re alone,” she says. “They are seen, they are valued, and their journey is worth celebrating.”
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“This story is for every kid who has ever been told they have to fit into a box that doesn’t feel right,” O'Hara continues. “Jackson is proof that you can be whoever you want to be — and you deserve to take up space while doing it.”
Jackson Bright in the Spotlight will be published on Oct. 21 by Amulet Books and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.
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