A Book Life Prize Semi-Finalist, one of Publishers Weekly’s Top Five Independently Published Middle Grade and Young Adult Books of 2018

“Wind’s engaging, utterly enjoyable tale of teen self-discovery is riveting both for its well-structured, historically based plot and its emotional honesty. . . . Wind’s polished prose is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. . . . A resonant and admirably crafted work.” —Book Life Prize

“The premise is a real hook . . . with real potential to influence and educate, on top of entertaining. . . . A tapestry of the gay teenage experience—frayed edges repaired with earnest love and care.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Bound to spark curiosity . . . A sympathetic novel that will change the way young readers look at history and the lessons it has to teach.” —Foreword Reviews

“Compelling… with highly empathetic characters in Wyatt and his friends. Was Abraham Lincoln gay? Readers of this intriguing and readable novel will decide for themselves.” —Michael Cart, ALA Booklist

“All the more impressive when considering that it is author Lee Winds’ debut as a novelist. Entertaining, thought-provoking, Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill is recommended for school and community library YA fiction collections. —Midwest Book Review

“Lee Wind has written a courageous novel about facing truth, both in history and in yourself. I applaud this important book.” —Ellen Wittlinger, author of 14 novels, including the Lambda Literary Award– and Printz Honor Award–winning “Hard Love”

“This powerful novel combines raw emotion with detailed historical evidence. Readers will be drawn into Wyatt’s story as he struggles with being true to himself, and come out the other side questioning who writes the history we learn. Speaking truth to power, indeed. Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill belongs in every library that serves teens.” —Yapha Mason, school librarian and two-time Newbery Medal judge

“I loved Queer as a Five Dollar Bill! The twists and turns of Wyatt’s experiences, both of pondering his own sexuality and of attempting to bring questions about Lincoln’s experiences to light, make this an exciting story. . . . Will keep any reader turning the pages. Highly recommended!” —Elisabeth Abarbanel, school librarian for grades 7-12

Publishers Weekly’s September 2018 Indie Success Story: "Bringing History into the Light” http://bit.ly/WindPWIndieSuccess

Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill
Marketing Campaign (as of September 5, 2018)


January – February 2018
•Kickstarter Campaign – Achieved
Over $15,000 raised, from more than 180 backers

February 2018
•Lee was featured guest on “The Children’s Book Podcast” with Matthew Winner, Episode #423
https://www.leewind.org/2018/02/im-on-childrens-book-podcast-with.html

April 2018
•Lee was featured Ignite speaker at IBPA's Publishing University
https://www.leewind.org/2018/06/my-ignite-session-video-from-ibpas.html

May 2018
•Lee was featured guest on “Express Yourself” Teen Radio Program on Voice America Kids Network, Episode: “The Gift of Diversity”
https://www.leewind.org/2018/05/im-on-radio-on-express-yourself-teen.html
•Lee spoke to the students and faculty at Pasadena City College, Children’s and YA Literature Class and Queer Alliance
https://www.leewind.org/2018/05/thanks-to-students-and-faculty-at.html
•"Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill" Featured in Publishers Weekly
https://www.leewind.org/2018/06/queer-as-five-dollar-bill-is-featured.html

June – July – August 2018
•Extensive ARC distribution to reviewers, media, and YA influencers
•ARC giveaway to 260 LGBTQ Teen readers at Camp Brave Trails, including four Camp Visits for Lee to speak with the campers and sign ARCs.
https://www.leewind.org/2018/07/my-visit-to-camp-brave-trails-lgbtq.html
•Book display and ARC distribution/signing at ALA Annual conference in New Orleans with the Independent Book Publishers Association
https://www.leewind.org/2018/06/my-ala-annual-conference-2018-alaac2018.html
•Media outreach to 3,000+ TV, Radio, Newspaper, Consumer Magazine and Online Media
•Lee's article "Find Your Tribe" is published in InD'tale Magazine
https://www.leewind.org/2018/06/my-article-find-your-tribe-is-published.html

September 2018
•Continue ARC distribution to reviewers, media, and YA influencers
•Lee booked as featured guest on “Get Balanced with Dr. Marissa Pei” Talk Radio show September 25
•Email to 5,000+ Middle and High School Librarians across U.S.
•Featured placement in email to 46,000 librarians across U.S.

October 2018
•Book Launch on October 2, 2018
•BookBub email to 1,070,000 YA readers on October 2, 2018
•Lauch day eBook price drop promotion for bestseller campaign
•Lee moderator and panelist on “Crowdfunding Queer Lit” panel for Lambda LitFest Los Angeles 2018 on October 1, 2018
•Lee moderator and panelist on “Queer YA” panel as part of Pasadena Art Night on Friday October 12, 2018
•Lee author event at the West Hollywood Public Library for Teen Read Week on Saturday October 13, 2018 (10:30am)
•Lee featured author at author tent at San Gabriel Valley Pride (1pm) on Saturday October 13, 2018
•Launch party at Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica on Saturday October 13, 2018 (7pm)
•National Coming Out Day (October 11, 2018) online promotion
•Lee giving “Discover our LGBTQ History” workshop at Models of Pride on October 20, 2018.
•Give away 450 copies of "Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill" to LGBTQ and Allied Teens at Models of Pride on October 20, 2018, with Camp Brave Trails
•Distribution of copies of "Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill" to 180+ Kickstarter Backers

November
•Philadelphia author event Sunday November 4 or Monday November 5 (in works)

December
•Email to 5,000+ Public Library Children’s and YA Librarians across U.S.

January 2019
•Featured placement in email to 46,000 librarians across U.S.

February 2019
•Lincoln’s Birthday / Valentine’s Day online promotion

March 2019
•Lee on panel at KidLitCon19 in Rhode Island, March 22-23

April 2019
•Chicago author event with SCBWI Illinois

May 2019
•Featured placement in email to 46,000 librarians across U.S.
•Lee at Bay Area Book Festival May 4-5, Give away 100 copies of "Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill" to LGBTQ and Allied Teens