Drag Royalty Champions Community: Kim Chi’s “Donutella Hamachi and the Library Avengers” Unites Queer Youth and Libraries

This fall, drag superstar Kim Chi—best known for her trailblazing run on RuPaul’s Drag Race—steps into the literary world with “Donutella Hamachi and the Library Avengers,” co-authored with Stephan Lee, author of the acclaimed K-Pop Confidential series, and illustrated by Utomaru . Released in late September 2025 by Walker Books US, this vibrant novel marks an intersection of LGBTQ+ visibility, immigrant experiences, and the enduring power of community .

Set in a contemporary American town, the story centers on twelve-year-old Jae Han, a Korean immigrant who finds refuge in their local library. For Jae, the library is not just a source of books—it’s a sanctuary where they can draw comics, explore their creative self, and connect with a diverse group of friends who share feelings of otherness .

When the library’s beloved Drag Queen Story Hour is abruptly canceled, Jae and their friends—nicknamed the Library Avengers—mobilize to defend the space that has offered them acceptance and inspiration. Facing both institutional challenges and local antagonism, their fight becomes a powerful allegory for queer and immigrant youth seeking belonging in the face of adversity .

The narrative is punctuated with graphic novel elements and lush illustrations by Utomaru, immersing readers in Jae’s vivid imagination as they transform into their superhero alter ego, Donutella Hamachi, to rally the community .

Kim Chi, a Korean American drag artist, brings her own lived experience to the project, infusing Donutella’s journey with themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and the freedom to express one’s identity . The book champions the idea that libraries serve as critical safe havens for LGBTQ+ youth and children from immigrant backgrounds—places where they can discover themselves, build friendships, and find adult mentors who affirm their identities .

Reviewers have highlighted the authenticity of Jae’s struggles and victories, noting the resonance of Drag Queen Story Hour as a touchstone for queer inclusion and visibility . The book does not shy away from addressing the challenges faced by queer and immigrant youth, including bullying, social exclusion, and the threat of losing affirming spaces.

Kim Chi’s collaboration with Stephan Lee, a noted chronicler of K-pop and Korean American culture, brings depth to the novel’s exploration of intersectional identity . Both authors draw on personal and community experiences, crafting characters that reflect the diversity and complexity of modern childhood.

The book’s release has been accompanied by outreach initiatives, including a partnership with Little Free Library to distribute 100 copies to readers and stewards across the United States, furthering the mission to make inclusive stories accessible to all children .

The plot’s focus on saving the library comes at a time when libraries and Drag Queen Story Hour events have faced increased scrutiny and politicization in the United States. The book’s advocacy for the protection of public spaces and celebration of drag as a form of joyful resistance offers timely commentary on the social challenges confronting LGBTQ+ youth and their allies .

By blending humor, heart, and superhero flair, “Donutella Hamachi and the Library Avengers” encourages young readers to embrace their unique identities and to stand up for their communities. The narrative’s message—that everyone deserves a safe space and the chance to be a hero in their own story—resonates far beyond the page.

Early reactions to the book have praised its ability to represent queer youth authentically, its nuanced portrayal of Korean immigrant life, and its celebration of drag culture as both art and activism . Educators and librarians have already expressed interest in using the book as a resource for fostering empathy, inclusion, and creative self-expression in schools and communities.

With its official release on September 30, 2025, “Donutella Hamachi and the Library Avengers” is positioned not only as an entertaining read for ages 8–12, but also as a meaningful contribution to LGBTQ+ children’s literature and the ongoing struggle for affirming, inclusive public spaces .